Wed Nov 19 23:08:35 UTC 2025: News Article:

Syria Condemns Netanyahu’s Visit to Israeli-Occupied Territory, Accuses Israel of Aggression

United Nations, NY – Tensions flared at the UN Security Council on Wednesday as Syria vehemently denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Syrian territory occupied by Israeli troops since December’s ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

Syria’s UN Ambassador, Ibrahim Olabi, labeled the visit a “provocative tour” that epitomizes Israel’s “ongoing aggression against Syria.” He called on the UN to halt Israel’s violations, end the occupation, and enforce the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Netanyahu was accompanied by top Israeli officials, including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, army Chief of Staff, and head of the Shin Bet security service, during the visit to the region, which is part of the UN-patrolled buffer zone.

The UN has expressed concern over the visit, with a spokesperson reminding parties of Resolution 2799, which calls for the full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

Israel, for its part, argues that the 1974 agreement is void since al-Assad’s departure. The nation has been accused of multiple breaches of Syrian sovereignty, including air strikes, ground incursions, and the detention of Syrian citizens.

At the Security Council meeting, Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, did not address the visit but instead challenged Syria to demonstrate a move away from extremism and prioritize the protection of minorities. Olabi countered, emphasizing Israel’s numerous strikes on Syrian territory and Syria’s consistent requests for diplomacy.

Adding to the escalating tensions, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the visit “in the strongest terms,” considering it a violation of Syria’s sovereignty. Recent reports also indicate renewed Israeli incursions into Syria, including the establishment of a military checkpoint.

Despite the heated rhetoric, sources at the UN indicate that ongoing negotiations for a security pact between Syria and Israel are expected to continue. Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo reports that analysts believe an agreement could be finalized before the end of the year. “The testy exchange between the two ambassadors likely won’t derail that,” Elizondo stated, “But it does show how little trust there is between both countries.”

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