Israel-Syria. May 1974 Key notes of bufferzone

Introduction

The buffer zone deal between Syria and Israel, known as the Agreement on Disengagement, was signed on May 31, 1974, following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Here are the key details of this agreement:

Territorial Aspects

Israel agreed to withdraw from all areas of Mount Hermon it had occupied during the 1973 War.

The withdrawal included an area of about 25 square kilometers (9.6 square miles) that encompassed Quneitra and other locations.

A demilitarized buffer zone of approximately 235 square kilometers (91 square miles) was established between Israeli and Syrian forces.

Separation Lines

The agreement defined two separation lines:

An Israeli line (blue)

A Syrian line (red)

A buffer zone was created between these two lines.

Monitoring and Enforcement

The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and patrolling the buffer zone.

Approximately 1,100 UN troops have been responsible for patrolling the area since 1974.

Military Restrictions

The agreement stipulated limitations on military presence and activities within and near the buffer zone for both sides.

Duration

The agreement was intended to be a long-term arrangement to maintain peace and stability along the Israel-Syria border.

Key notes of agreement

The 1974 Syria-Israel Agreement on Disengagement was signed in Geneva, Switzerland on May 31, 1974. The agreement was signed by:

Military representatives of Israel and Syria

Under the aegis of the United Nations

In the Egyptian-Israeli Military Working Group of the Geneva Peace Conference

With the participation of representatives from the United States and the Soviet Union

Specifically, the signatories included:

General Herzl Shafir (for Israel)

General Adnan Wajih Tayara (for Syria)

Lieutenant-General Ensio Siilasvuo (Chief Coordinator of the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in the Middle East)

The agreement was signed after the Syrian military representative joined the Egyptian-Israeli Military Working Group.

This diplomatic effort was facilitated by U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who had been shuttling between Jerusalem and Damascus to broker the deal.

Conclusion

This disengagement agreement had effectively maintained a relatively stable situation along the Israel-Syria border for decades until recent events led to its collapse.