Syria has expressed significant concern regarding a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials to the southern regions of the country, where Israeli troops have maintained a presence for several months. This visit follows the political complications that arose after the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad experienced a major challenge from rebel forces in December.

Ibrahim Olabi, Syria’s ambassador to the United Nations, articulated his government’s strong condemnation of what he described as a provocative tour, characterizing it as a continuation of Israel’s assertive posture toward Syria and its populace. He called upon the UN Security Council to take decisive action to halt these violations, emphasize the need for respect of Syria’s sovereignty, and ensure the enforcement of applicable resolutions dating back to the 1973 Arab-Israeli War.

In the aftermath of al-Assad’s exit, Israeli forces have established a foothold in a UN-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights, which separates Israeli and Syrian forces. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric characterized the visit by Israeli officials as troubling, particularly in light of UN Resolution 2799, which reaffirms Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Despite the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Syrian relations, it is noteworthy that Syria has demonstrated restraint in its response to Israeli actions. While there have been instances of Israeli airstrikes and military operations within Syrian territory, Syria has opted not to reciprocate these hostile acts. Olabi emphasized this restraint during the Security Council discussions, suggesting that Israel has conducted over 1,000 attacks on Syrian territory while Syria has maintained a position of diplomacy.

During the Security Council meeting, Netanyahu was joined by several key figures, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Defence Minister Israel Katz. The Israeli delegation did not directly address the points raised by Syria’s ambassador, instead asserting the importance of a regional focus on stability, particularly in ensuring the safety of minority populations, including Christians and Jews.

The dialogue concerning security between Syria and Israel continues, with experts suggesting that ongoing negotiations may lead to a potential agreement by the year’s end. The increasing tensions point to an urgent need for mutual understanding and diplomatic efforts in the region. As both nations seek a path forward, the focus remains on establishing peaceful relations that respect the sovereignty and security of all involved.

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