Syria Denounces Benjamin Netanyahu's Troop Visit as Violation of National Sovereignty

Damascus's UN ambassador strongly condemned a recent visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to troops stationed in southern Syria, denouncing the move on Friday as a blatant breach of sovereignty and international law.

Speaking to reporters at UN headquarters, Ibrahim Olaibi stated that Mr Netanyahu entered Syrian territory on Wednesday and traveled to the summit of Mount Hermon amid what he characterized as Israel’s ongoing military presence and frequent incursions into the nation.

“Territorial integrity is not negotiable. It is the indispensable pillar of the international system, and the first line of defence against global instability,” Mr Olaibi said. “Undermine it, and the very framework that sustains peace and order crumbles.”

Accompanied by representatives from the Arab Group, the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, and other UN member states, Mr Olaibi emphasized that the UN Charter and the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syrian and Israeli forces remain explicit and must be fully respected.

He cautioned that political, military, and other actions by Israel threaten to jeopardize the progress achieved by Syria’s government during a vital phase of national transition.

“Syria's position has also been clear. It has consistently distanced itself from the ongoing regional escalation,” Mr Olaibi remarked, noting that Damascus has repeatedly affirmed it presents no threat to its neighbors.

During his tour of southern Syria, accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, Mr Netanyahu claimed that Iran's government is nearing collapse as the six-month Middle East conflict intensifies. He asserted that Israel's primary goal is the downfall of Iran's government, stating they are "very close" to that objective, and vowed that Israel will prevent any "terrorist army" from establishing a foothold along its border.

Israeli forces have maintained a strategic presence within a security zone in southern Syria following the downfall of long-time dictator Bashar Al Assad in December 2024. These troops advanced into a territory that formerly functioned as a UN-patrolled buffer zone, which separated Israeli and Syrian forces along the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights pursuant to the 1974 disengagement agreement.