The IDF is examining the source of the blast; its initial assessment is that the explosion was caused by an old Syrian landmine. The officer, who was preparing the post ahead of Yom Kippur later this week, was evacuated for treatment and his family has been notified.
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An IDF outpost in Syria
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
Syria and Israel had drawn closer in recent weeks to agreement on the outlines of a deal after months of U.S.-mediated talks in Baku, Paris and London that were accelerated ahead of the U.N. General Assembly.
Reuters reported that the pact was intended to create a demilitarized zone that would include the Sweida governorate, where hundreds of Druze were killed in clashes in July. In talks in Paris, Israel had already requested a land corridor to Sweida, but Syria rejected the demand as an infringement on its sovereignty.
Speaking Friday at the U.N. General Assembly, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Israel’s victory over Iran’s axis of terror has opened opportunities for peace. Take Syria — the idea of peace with Syria was fanciful. But no longer. We have begun serious negotiations with the new Syrian government. I believe it is possible to reach an agreement that will respect Syrian sovereignty and respect the security of Israel and minorities, including the Druze.”