Damascus (TDI): Syria and Kuwait have condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Mount Hermon in occupied Syrian territory, calling the move a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and international law.
Netanyahu visited the area on Wednesday accompanied by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. The visit has been viewed by observers as part of Netanyahu’s political campaign ahead of Israel’s Knesset elections scheduled for October 27.
Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it described as Netanyahu’s “illegal entry” into Syrian territory, calling it a flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ministry said continued Israeli incursions and attacks inside Syria were escalating tensions and undermining regional security and stability.
Kuwait reaffirmed its full support for Syria’s independence and sovereignty over its territory and called on the UN Security Council to take action to stop Israeli attacks.
It also urged Israel to comply with relevant UN resolutions and respect the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces between Syria and Israel.
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Syria’s Foreign Ministry similarly condemned Netanyahu’s visit as a provocative act and a violation of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.
Jordan also described the Israeli prime minister’s move as a flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a breach of international law.
In a video recorded during the visit, Netanyahu, wearing a bulletproof vest, said he was standing at the summit of Mount Hermon on the eve of the Jewish New Year and pointed toward Damascus, Lebanon and the Syrian Golan Heights.
Netanyahu claimed that Israel had established “absolute control” over the area extending from Mount Hermon toward the Yarmouk River.
He said Israel would not allow what he called “terrorist forces” to establish a presence near its borders. Katz also indicated that Israel intended to maintain its military presence in the area, saying, “We are here on Mount Hermon, and we will not move from here.”
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Israel has occupied Syria’s Golan Heights since 1967 and unilaterally annexed the territory in 1981. The annexation has not been recognized by the international community.
The latest developments have renewed concerns over Israel’s expanding military presence in southern Syria and the potential impact on regional stability.
