Israel has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Syria but continues to monitor the situation across the Golan Heights for threats from Iranian-backed Hezbollah and other military threats. Security officials are skeptical that the ceasefire is much more than an opportunity for the regime and the rebels to rest and regroup after five years of fierce fighting.
The day tour examined the overall security situation and how the war in Syria is affecting the Druze residents of the Golan Heights. It also enabled journalists to see up close how Israeli hospitals are dealing with the political and humanitarian challenges of treating Syrians from the war zone.
The day tour included:
A visit to Ziv Hospital in Sfat and briefing by the hospital director and meetings with patients from Syria
Strategic briefing on the war’s regional impact
Meeting with Dawlan Abu Saleh, mayor of Majdal Shams (TBC)
Meeting with Druze activists and leaders in the Golan Heights
Lunch in Majdal Shams
