Syria and Jordan condemn Netanyahu's visit to occupied buffer zone

Syria and Jordan have issued formal condemnations of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's high-profile visit to an Israeli-occupied buffer zone in southern Syria. Netanyahu toured the area accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Army Chief Eyal Zamir, and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, prompting immediate diplomatic protests from both neighboring Arab states.

Syrian Foreign Ministry's Strong Response

The Syrian Foreign Ministry characterized the visit as an "illegitimate" act and "a grave violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity." In an official statement, the ministry asserted that the tour represented "a new attempt to impose a fait accompli that contradicts relevant UN Security Council resolutions." Damascus reiterated its demand for complete Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory, declaring all Israeli measures in southern Syria "null and void" under international law.

Jordan's Condemnation and Regional Concerns

Jordan joined Syria in condemning the visit, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fuad Al-Majali describing it as "a flagrant violation of Syria's sovereignty and unity of its territory." Jordan's statement emphasized that the action constituted "a blatant breach of international law and a dangerous escalation that will only contribute to further conflict and tension in the region." Amman expressed full solidarity with Damascus and called on the international community to assume its responsibilities.

Historical Context and Legal Framework

The diplomatic protest references Israel's expansion into the demilitarized buffer zone following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024, which violated the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria. Both Syria and Jordan have called for international pressure to compel Israel to comply with this agreement and end its occupation of Syrian territories. The Syrian ministry emphasized that "Syria will continue to defend its sovereignty and its inalienable rights until it regains all of its territory."