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Israel concerned after Austria withdraws from UN Golan force
Israel’s Foreign Ministry expressed “regret” at Austria’s decision to pull out of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), the United Nations’ (UN) peacekeeping force on the Israel-Syrian border on the Golan Heights.
Fighting between opposition forces and Syrian government troops at the border town of Quneitra erupted yesterday, with President Assad’s troops appearing to regain control after initially losing the area. With UN peacekeepers caught in the crossfire, Austria’s Chancellor Werner Faymann and his deputy, Michael Spindelegger explained “that a further delay [in pulling out soldiers] is no longer justifiable” due to “The uncontrolled and immediate danger to Austrian soldiers.”
The fighting at Quneitra took place just dozens of metres from Israeli military positions and the only crossing in the demilitarised zone between the two countries. It prompted the Israeli army to prevent civilians from entering Kibbutz Ein Zivan and close a section of Route 98.
In response to Austria’s announcement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said “we regret this decision and hope that it will not be conducive to further escalation in the region.” He said that Israel “expects the United Nations to uphold its commitment” to operate a peacekeeping force on the border. However, the Austrian contingent of almost 380 troops comprised a full third of the UNDOF force. A statement on behalf of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said yesterday that he “is approaching Member States in an effort to identify urgently new contributors.”
However, the uncertainty surrounding the future of UNDOF will likely cast doubt over suggestions that a UN peacekeeping force could play a role in implementing any future Israeli-Palestinian peace accord. In the wake of Austria’s decision yesterday, Israel’s International Relations Minister Yuval Steinitz said “Even as part of peace agreements, Israel cannot place its security in the hands of international forces.” The Guardian quotes an unnamed senior Israeli official expressing similar sentiments.