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Israel rattled by peacekeeper withdrawal from Golan

June 7, 2013 10:02
Forces loyal to Assad clash with rebels (Photo: AP)

By

Anna Sheinman,

Anna Sheinman

1 min read

Israel yesterday reacted strongly to exit of Austrian peacekeepers from the Golan Heights.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry released a statement expressing ‘regret’ at the withdrawal of 377 of the 1000 UN international peacekeepers who patrol the Israel-Syria border.

Israeli officials said that the move could threaten the role of the UN Security Council in any future peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

The move by Austria comes after heavy fighting between Syrian rebel and government forces over the one border crossing between Israel and Syria in Quneitra.

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