In a move that sparked widespread controversy in both local and political circles, Israeli authorities have recently initiated a population census in the Quneitra governorate, southwest of Syria, near the occupied Golan Heights. This development coincides with an Israeli proposal allowing Quneitra residents who own residents or land to work inside Israeli territory under the “one-day” system, allowing them to enter designated work areas in the morning and return at night to their homes.
According to local sources for +963, the Israeli proposal includes offering jobs to professionals such as workers and technicians in nearby Israeli cities, with salaries far above Syria’s average. The plan also provides entry and exit permits, and organised and safe transportation, in a move to attract Quneitra’s professional competencies.
In conjunction with these measures, Israel conducted a study assessing the needs of residents across most areas of Quneitra, asking them to identify essential requirements such as food, medicine and other supplies. While some people see the move as an effort aimed at improving their living conditions, others see it as part of Israeli attempts to strengthen its influence in the region.
Diverging Views Among Quneitra’s Population
The move sparked mixed reactions among residents, and while some see it as an opportunity to improve their worsening economic conditions, others firmly reject it, viewing it as an attempt to normalize relations with Israel’s occupation.
Dr. Al-Kartawi, a resident of Quneitra, told +963, “The offer to work inside Israeli territory is tempting, but we completely reject it. Israel is trying to impose its control on us, and we will not accept becoming dependent on it, no matter the temptations.”
Jaafar Al-Akta, a worker in Quneitra, told +963, “If you are looking to improve your financial situation, this is the best option right now. The wages they offer far exceed what we earn in Syria. But I am afraid that this will be the beginning of a larger plan that could completely reshape our reality.”
Zahra al-Ali from Quneitra also spoke to 963 +, saying: “Israel provides us with assistance and collects our needs, but it benefits more than us. We need support from our homeland, not from a foreign side who want to control our lives “.
Economic Pressure and Israeli Offers
Despite the prevailing rejection of Israel’s proposal, the deteriorating economic situation in Quneitra has led some people to seriously consider accepting these opportunities, especially as Syria’s economic crisis continues and job opportunities remain scarce in the region.
In this context, Hani Barghouti told +963, “We are living in an extremely difficult economic situation, and sometimes we have to consider all the available options, whatever they may be. But that does not mean that we support what Israel is doing.”
Possible Israeli Targets
Some residents of Quneitra believe that these offers may be part of a broader Israeli strategy to strengthen economic ties with Syrian border areas, which could create a new reality that increases the dependence of certain local groups on Israel. Through this move, Tel Aviv is believed to seek the sympathy of the region’s inhabitants and to reduce tensions in the area of the occupied Golan Heights.
To date, the Syrian Government has not issued any official comment on this proposal or Israel’s census in Quneitra. However, Damascus is likely to consider this move a violation of its sovereignty and an unlawful attempt to impose a new reality on the border.
Up until now, the Syrian Government has not issued any official comment regarding the Israeli proposal or the population census in Quneitra. However, Damascus is likely to consider this action as a violation of its sovereignty and an unlawful attempt to impose a new dynamic along the border.
In this context, Hassan Daghim, the spokesperson of the Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue, stated during a press conference in Damascus that Israel was violating all international laws in an attempt to impose its agendas in border areas. He also emphasized that the Syrian people would never accept these dictates in any way.
Amid these developments, the people of Quneitra find themselves facing difficult choices, as the issue goes beyond mere employment opportunities to questions of identity and national sovereignty. The key question remains: Will Israel succeed in advancing this step, or will it encounter popular and political resistance that hinders its implementation?
