Syria Condemns Netanyahu Visit to Southern Region as “Dangerous Escalation”
Damascus — Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to an area in southern Syria, describing it as a “serious violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
In an official statement, the ministry said the visit represents a new attempt by Israel to impose a political and military reality on the ground, in defiance of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The ministry accused Israel of pursuing a long-term policy aimed at consolidating its occupation and expanding control over Syrian territory.
Damascus said it views Netanyahu’s tour as a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation,” alleging that Israel is taking advantage of current regional circumstances to reinforce what it termed Israel’s “illegitimate military presence” in the south. The statement asserted that such actions contribute to heightened tensions and undermine regional stability.
Syria reiterated its longstanding demand for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied Syrian land, including the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognized internationally. The ministry renewed its position that all Israeli measures in the region are “null and void” under international law and carry no legal effect.
The statement called on the international community and the United Nations to assume responsibility for “deterring Israeli practices” and compelling Israel to respect international agreements and withdraw from occupied territory. Syrian officials stressed the importance of returning to the terms of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and safeguarding internationally recognized borders.
The ministry concluded by reaffirming that Syria would “continue to defend its sovereignty and inalienable rights until all occupied territory is restored,” insisting that Israeli actions would not alter the legal or historical status of Syrian land.
