The Syrians are warning Israelis not to settle in the Golan Heights as Damascus’ propaganda machine moves into full swing.

In a statement released on Saturday, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad stated his country has the “non-peaceful means” to get the Golan Heights back.

The Jordan-based Ad-Dustour newspaper quotes the senior Syrian official stating that the “settlers,” referring to Golan residents, should be aware his country would defend its land within minutes. The deputy minister advised Golan residents not to plan to raise their children in the area, which will be back in Syrian hands.

According to a report in The Hundu, quoting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the current Israeli government has only agreed to return to talks with Damascus after eight years because it realizes its failures in the Second Lebanon War and its weakness today.

“The Israelis thought they would be stronger” stated al-Assad, but in actuality, the situation today shows quite the opposite is true and Jerusalem’s neighbors now pose a real threat.

According to the Syrian leader, despite statements released in Israel, Israel never demanded Damascus cut ties with Hamas, Hizbullah or Iran as a precondition to resuming talks.

Assad told The Hindu that Syria does not have something “to give” Israel in exchange for a withdrawal from the Golan Heights, but together, both countries can achieve peace.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)