Syria condemns Netanyahu visit to Israeli troops as breach of sovereignty

The United Nations' Syria ambassador denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to troops stationed in southern Syria, claiming it violated the nation's sovereignty and international law. Mr. Netanyahu entered Syrian territory on Wednesday and proceeded to the summit of Mount Hermon, according to Ibrahim Olaibi, who addressed reporters at UN headquarters.

Olaibi emphasized that territorial integrity is non-negotiable and serves as the foundation of the international system, warning that its undermining would lead to the collapse of global peace and order. Joined by representatives from the Arab Group and the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, Olaibi asserted that the UN Charter and the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syrian and Israeli forces must be respected.

He cautioned that Israeli actions, whether military, political, or otherwise, could jeopardize Syria's ongoing transition. Olaibi also noted that Syria has consistently distanced itself from regional escalations and vowed not to pose a threat to its neighbors. During his visit to southern Syria, Netanyahu claimed Iran's government was nearing collapse amid intensified fighting in the six-month Middle East conflict.

He stated that Israel's primary goal remained to bring down Iran's government, which he said was very close. Additionally, Netanyahu warned Israel would not permit a "terrorist army" to establish itself along its border. Israeli forces have maintained a presence in southern Syria since the fall of long-time dictator Bashar Al Assad in December 2024, occupying an area that was previously a UN-patrolled buffer zone separating Israeli and Syrian forces along the Golan Heights under a 1974 disengagement agreement.