Syria condemns Netanyahu’s ‘illegal entry’ into its territory on Mount Hermon

Syria on Wednesday condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “illegal entry” into its territory and visit to the Mount Hermon area, calling it a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued the statement after Netanyahu entered the Syrian-controlled part of the occupied Mount Hermon area earlier on Wednesday, accompanied by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Netanyahu’s visit comes as Israel prepares for a Knesset election scheduled for October.

The ministry said Syria strongly condemns the “illegal entry” by Netanyahu into Syrian territory and his visit to Mount Hermon, describing it as a “provocative step and blatant violation” of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and international law.

It said the continued Israeli incursions and attacks inside Syrian territory represented a “dangerous escalation” that threatened security and stability in the region.

Syria held the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the consequences of these violations and called on the United Nations, international organisations and influential countries to act to halt the attacks and return to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.