Israel declares it will not abandon Golan Heights
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that the country's troops will never leave the southern regions of Syria. He made this statement on January 29, Al-Arabiya reported.
According to him, Tel Aviv will not allow the presence of any hostile forces in Syria and will continue to strengthen its position.
The Israeli army has captured Mount Sheikh (Hermon), the highest point in the Golan Heights. From this area, the Syrian-Lebanese border, the outskirts of Damascus, and the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in 1967, are visible. There are also reports that Israeli troops have entered demilitarized zones in Syria.
Israeli officials initially described the move as a temporary measure to ensure border security. However, the international community criticized the move, saying it violated international agreements. The United States also demanded that Israel withdraw its troops.
Most of the international community has condemned Israel's actions in the Golan Heights. The UN and a number of countries have called on Tel Aviv to comply with international law.
Israeli-Syrian relations have been tense for years. After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured the Golan Heights and unilaterally annexed them in 1981. The UN has not recognized the move as legal.
Although the Syrian government has not yet officially responded, Damascus has repeatedly stressed its intention to restore territorial integrity.
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