Syria Condemns Katz’s Mount Hermon Visit as Illegal

Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned Defense Minister Israel Katz’s visit to IDF forces on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, calling it illegal and a violation of Syrian sovereignty. The ministry demanded Israel withdraw to the 1974 disengagement line and said the visit breached international law and the UN Charter. Katz, accompanied by senior commanders, said Israel would remain on Mount Hermon and in the security zone while jihadist threats persist, describing the deployment as necessary to protect Israeli communities and the border. He also said Israel had acted against a Turkish attempt to establish itself in Syria that endangered Israeli security interests.