Syria condemns Netanyahu visit to Mount Hermon

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Mount Hermon area, describing the visit as an illegal and provocative violation of Syrian sovereignty and international law. Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, visited the border region to inspect military forces, stating that the primary mission remains the collapse of the Iranian-led axis.

Damascus has called for a return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which established ceasefire arrangements and a UN-monitored buffer zone between the two nations. Syrian officials stated that Israeli military movements within their territory do not promote stability but instead increase regional tensions and obstruct security efforts.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria has expressed concern regarding Israeli military activities in southern Syria, including patrols and the establishment of military infrastructure. While Israel maintains these actions are driven by security necessities following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024, the United Nations has noted that such movements in southern Syria remain a source of significant concern.