Israeli tanks enter Syria first time in 50 years

Shortly after Israel said it would bolster its military presence on Syrian soil in reaction to the rebel offensive, Israeli tanks have reportedly crossed the border fence with Syria for the first time since 1974.

The move is purportedly aimed at preventing Syrian armed forces or civilians, regardless of their allegiance, from coming close to the Israeli positions, according to the Maariv newspaper.

We reported earlier how Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said Israel must “establish a new line of defence based on the ceasefire line of 1974” with Syria at Mount Hermon in the occupied Golan Heights.

Israel occupied the majority of Syria’s Golan Heights in 1967 and annexed it in 1981.

Source: Al Jazeera