Syria condemns Netanyahu’s ‘illegal entry’ into occupied Syrian territory

Syria on Wednesday condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s entry into occupied Syrian territory, calling the move a “provocative” violation of its sovereignty and international law.

Netanyahu visited the Israeli-occupied area of Mount Hermon earlier in the day alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry denounced what it called Netanyahu’s “illegal entry,” saying the move constituted a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It warned that continued Israeli incursions and attacks inside Syria marked a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability.

Damascus held Israel responsible for the consequences and called on the UN, international organizations and influential states to act to halt the attacks and ensure a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement.

During the visit, Netanyahu claimed Israel had established unprecedented “absolute control” over the area stretching from Mount Hermon toward the Yarmouk River.

He also said Israel would not allow what he described as “terrorist forces” to establish a presence near its borders.

Katz meanwhile signaled that Israel intended to maintain its occupation of the area.

“We are here on Mount Hermon, and we will not move from here,” he said in a separate video.

Israel has occupied Syria’s Golan Heights since 1967 and unilaterally annexed the territory in 1981, a move not recognized by the international community.

Israeli forces have also expanded their control inside Syrian territory during recent regional developments.