By Tal Beeri
Since May 31, 1974, Israel and Syria have maintained a separation agreement that was signed at the end of the Yom Kippur War, which broke out on October 6, 1973.
The agreement, monitored by UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force), an armed force established under UN Security Council Resolution 350, aims to maintain peace along the border by defining a demilitarized buffer zone that should be free of military presence, except for UN forces acting as international observers.
The buffer zone is located between the Alpha Line (the border between the countries) and the Bravo Line.
During the civil war [in Syria] in the previous decade, the agreement was challenged from time to time.
Today, with the collapse of the Syrian regime and the rebel takeover, it is once again being significantly challenged.
In light of these developments, the Israel Defense Forces have temporarily deployed to the buffer zone to preserve and protect the Israeli border.
Source: Alma – Research and Education Center