Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and military chief of staff Eyal Zamir, visited an Israeli military outpost in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights on Wednesday. The visit, which took place in a buffer zone unilaterally seized by Israel in December, was marked by heightened security measures, including blurring the faces of soldiers in media coverage to shield them from potential legal repercussions over alleged war crimes. Netanyahu emphasized the strategic importance of the region, stating, ‘We attach immense importance to our capability here, both defensive and offensive, safeguarding our Druze allies, and especially safeguarding Israel and its northern border opposite the Golan Heights.’ He added that the mission could escalate at any moment, expressing confidence in the troops’ readiness. The visit drew sharp criticism from Syria, which condemned it as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and international law. Syria’s foreign ministry labeled the actions of Israeli officials as ‘null, void, and legally invalid,’ accusing Israel of perpetuating aggression and breaching UN Security Council resolutions. Syrian ambassador to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, urged the Security Council to enforce the 1974 disengagement agreement and halt Israeli violations. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concern over the visit, reiterating the importance of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Israeli ambassador Danny Danon called on Syria to demonstrate a commitment to peace and justice, while Olabi countered by highlighting Israel’s repeated strikes on Syrian territory. The visit underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, with both nations locked in a complex geopolitical struggle.
Netanyahu visits Israeli soldiers in occupied Syria with faces of troops blurred
