Russian map of four Syrian “safe zones” includes Golan

DEBKAfile was founded by a team of journalists in June 2000 as an independent Internet Web site, providing an intelligence and security news service. May 6, 2017, 5:36 PM (IDT)

According to a map released Saturday by the Russian foreign ministry, the four safe or “de-escalation” zones charted by Russia for Syria cover not only southern Syria up to the Israeli and Jordanian borders, but also Quneitra and the Israeli Golan. All four would be designated no-fly zones, meaning that the Israeli air force would also be barred from flying over this Israeli enclave. The plan co-sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran was approved last week by the Astana peace conference but not supported by the United States. Many of the 15 Syrian rebel groups walked out of the conference in protest against Iran’s involvement as one of the three “guarantors” whose military officers would monitor the four proposed safe zones, including the Golan – if the Russian plan takes off. Read DEBKAfile’s Special Report.

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