Damascus has strongly condemned a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the buffer zone along the Syrian border. The Syrian government views the visit as a blatant violation of international law and a direct challenge to UN Security Council resolutions.
Accompanied by several key ministers, including the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs, Netanyahu’s visit focused on Israeli military positions within the contested area. The Israeli Prime Minister asserted the critical importance of maintaining a strong Israeli presence in the region, both defensively and offensively.
“We place great importance on our capabilities here, both defensive and offensive,” Netanyahu stated in a video released by his office. “This is a critical area that can evolve at any moment, and we rely on you.”
Reports indicate that the visit occurred shortly after Netanyahu abruptly canceled a scheduled court appearance related to ongoing corruption trials, citing an urgent security matter. This timing has fueled speculation about the true purpose behind the border visit.
Unnamed Israeli sources suggest that Netanyahu’s actions are linked to stalled negotiations regarding a potential security agreement between Israel and Syria. A key point of contention is Israel’s refusal to fully withdraw from all territories seized in Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
According to these sources, Israel is only willing to consider a partial withdrawal in exchange for a comprehensive peace agreement, rather than a limited security arrangement. This demand presents a significant obstacle, as a broader peace deal appears unlikely in the current political climate.
Since 1967, Israel has occupied a significant portion of the Golan Heights. Following the ousting of Assad in December 2024, Israel expanded its control beyond the boundaries established by the 1974 disengagement agreement, further exacerbating tensions in the region.
