Netanyahu visits Israeli troops in occupied southern Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz visited Israeli troops stationed in occupied southern Syria on Wednesday. During the visit to the Mount Hermon area, Netanyahu asserted that the Iranian regime is nearing collapse and stated that the “main task is to bring down the terror regime in Iran.”

Defence Minister Katz reiterated that Israeli forces would not withdraw from the security zone in southern Syria, where troops have been stationed since December 2024 following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Netanyahu claimed that Israel has established unprecedented control over the area to prevent hostile forces from approaching its borders.

The visit has drawn strong condemnation from regional actors. The Syrian foreign ministry described the move as a “provocative move” and a “blatant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the entry as illegal and a violation of international law, warning that continued incursions could undermine regional security. Jordan similarly criticized the visit as a serious violation of Syrian sovereignty. Kuwait has called upon the United Nations Security Council to ensure Israel respects international resolutions and the 1974 agreement between Syria and Israel.