Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli incursion into Syrian territory

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israeli incursions inside Syrian territory, describing them as “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of Syria.

In a statement released on August 26, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the continuation of Israeli violations, its incursion into Syrian territories, and its interference in its internal affairs.”

The ministry added that the act violated international law and breached “the disengagement agreement signed between Syria and Israel in 1974, which comes amid the tension in the situation in the Sweida Governorate," Caliber.Az reports via Arab News. 

Syria reported on August 25 that Israel had deployed 60 soldiers to seize control of an area near Mount Hermon. Damascus described the operation as a violation of its sovereignty and warned it posed a further threat to regional security.

“This dangerous escalation is considered a direct threat to regional peace and security,” said a statement from Syria’s foreign ministry.

An Israeli military spokesman said troops conducted "routine operational activity" in southern Syria but did not operate in Beit Jinn, near the Lebanese border and Mount Hermon. Syrian officials said the incident took place near a "strategic hilltop" overlooking Beit Jinn and reported that Israel arrested six Syrians there.

The incident occurred amid US-mediated talks between the two countries aimed at de-escalating tensions in southern Syria. Damascus has indicated it hopes a security arrangement could pave the way for broader political negotiations.

 By Sabina Mammadli