Syria condemns Netanyahu’s visit to Israel-occupied area of Mount Hermon
On September 10, Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the Israel-occupied area of Mount Hermon on Syrian territory. Damascus described the trip as an illegal and provocative violation of Syrian sovereignty and international law.
Damascus statement
Syria’s Foreign Ministry said the visit was a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also warned that further Israeli incursions and attacks in Syria constitute a dangerous escalation that threatens the region’s security and stability.
Damascus held Israel responsible for the consequences of such actions and called on the UN, international organizations, and influential states to take measures to stop the attacks. The Syrian side also called for a return to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, Anadolu Agency reports.
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Statements by Israeli officials
Netanyahu visited the Mount Hermon area together with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. According to the prime minister, Israel has established unprecedented “absolute control” over the territory from Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk River. He also said that Israel would not allow forces he described as terrorist to entrench themselves near its borders.
Katz separately stated that Israel intends to maintain its occupation of the area. Israel has occupied Syria’s Golan Heights since 1967 and unilaterally annexed the territory in 1981; the international community does not recognize this annexation. According to the agency, Israeli forces also expanded their control over Syrian territory during recent regional developments.
