Syria, Kuwait condemn Netanyahu’s incursion into Mount Hermon in occupied Syrian territory

In a statement, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Netanyahu’s “illegal entry” into Syrian territory, describing it as a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a “blatant breach” of international law. The ministry said continued Israeli incursions and attacks inside Syrian territory represented an “escalation that undermined security and stability in the region.

It reaffirmed Kuwait’s “full support” for Syria’s independence and sovereignty over all its territory. Read:Qatar condemns Israeli defense chief’s entry into southwestern Syria.

The ministry also called on the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibilities by stopping the attacks and ensuring Israel’s compliance with relevant international resolutions, stressing the need to respect the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces between Syria and Israel.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday also condemned Netanyahu’s “illegal entry” as a “provocative” move and a violation of the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also called it a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a “blatant breach” of international law.

In a video filmed during his visit, Netanyahu, wearing a bulletproof vest, said he was standing at the summit of Mount Hermon on the eve of the Jewish New Year, pointing to Damascus, Lebanon and the Syrian Golan Heights. Read more:Israeli forces raid southern Syria day after de-escalation meeting.

Netanyahu claimed Israel had established unprecedented “absolute control” over the area stretching from Mount Hermon toward the Yarmouk River. He said Israel would not allow “terrorist forces” to establish a presence near its borders. Katz, meanwhile, signalled that Israel intended to maintain its occupation of the area.

“We are here on Mount Hermon, and we will not move from here,” he said in a separate video. Israel has occupied Syria’s Golan Heights since 1967 and unilaterally annexed the territory in 1981, a move not recognised by the international community.