Syria Condemns Israeli Defense Minister Katz’s Visit to Mount Hermon, Demands Immediate Withdrawal

The Syrian Foreign Ministry sharply criticized Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s recent visit to Mount Hermon, calling it a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In an official statement released on Tuesday, Damascus accused Israel of provoking tensions and breaching the 1974 disengagement agreement by crossing ceasefire lines. The ministry urged the international community to take necessary measures to compel Israel to cease repeated violations and to fully withdraw immediately from Syrian-controlled areas.

This condemnation follows Katz’s visit to the strategic Mount Hermon area, where he reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to maintaining its military presence as long as jihadist threats to Israeli security persist. Katz sent a direct message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, stating, "When you look at Hermon and see the IDF, you know we are here." The visit and statements underscore Israel’s stance on securing its northern border amid ongoing regional instability.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry’s call for Israel’s immediate and complete withdrawal highlights the continuing dispute over control of the Mount Hermon region, a sensitive area along the Israel-Syria ceasefire line. The ministry emphasized that Israel’s actions violate international law and the terms of the 1974 separation of forces agreement, demanding respect for the ceasefire lines and Syria’s territorial claims.