Israel and Syria clash over Golan Heights sovereignty

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that the Golan Heights will remain a permanent part of Israel, asserting that the military will not withdraw from Mount Hermon or the security zone. Katz emphasized that these positions are maintained to prevent threats against Israel and warned that any attacks on Israeli forces or settlements from Syria would receive a response.

In a speech at the Atlantic Council in New York, Syrian interim government leader Ahmed al-Sharaa countered these claims, stating that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory recognized by the United Nations. Al-Sharaa noted that while Syria has pursued diplomatic channels and reached nearly 90 percent agreement in previous negotiations based on returning to 1974 borders, lasting peace can only be achieved if Syrian rights are restored and occupied territory is returned.

Al-Sharaa further emphasized that any military presence on Syrian soil must be defined by a legal framework approved by the people's representatives and stated that Syria will not require foreign military bases in the near future.