Syria’s Foreign Ministry has condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s entry into Syrian territory, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and calling on the international community to stop what it described as repeated Israeli violations.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said the visit constituted a "hostile act" and a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The ministry also said the move violated obligations under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which requires respect for the ceasefire lines established between Syria and Israeli forces following the Arab-Israeli war.

The statement followed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's visit to Israeli military positions on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, where he said Israeli forces would remain as long as what he described as security threats persisted. Damascus considers the presence of Israeli troops in the area a violation of its sovereignty and of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Call for international action

Damascus urged the international community to fulfill its legal and political responsibilities by pressing Israel to end what it described as repeated violations of Syrian territory.

The ministry further called for the immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas they have entered, a return to the disengagement line, and full respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement came after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz entered territory under Syrian sovereignty, a move that drew strong condemnation from Damascus amid continuing tensions in southern Syria. (ILKHA)