Israel's Defense Minister Affirms Golan Heights Sovereignty After Syria's UN Address

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's speech at the United Nations by asserting that the Golan Heights, under Israeli sovereignty, is an inseparable and permanent part of Israel. Katz declared that Israel will not withdraw from the Mount Hermon area or the security zone within Syria.

Katz explained that these territories were captured in the 1973 battles and subsequently handed over to Syria under a 1974 disengagement agreement. He claimed that Syria violated the terms of this agreement by becoming a base for Iranian activity and posing a threat to Israel. According to the Defense Minister, following the fall of the Assad regime, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) entered the Mount Hermon area and the security zone in Syria to prevent threats from jihadist elements.

He clarified that Israeli forces will remain in place as long as there is a threat to the border and Israeli communities, whether from Syrian security forces or other jihadist organizations. Katz warned that if IDF forces or Israeli territory are attacked from Syria, Israel will retaliate, and any territory captured during such a response will remain under Israeli control.

Katz concluded by stating that Israel will not allow Syria to become a threat and will take all necessary actions to prevent this.