Israeli Defense Minister visits Syria territory, vows forces will stay

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited a military base in southern Syria, asserting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the occupied territory. Speaking from the so-called 'security zone,' Katz stated that daily operations are conducted there to "deter threats, eliminate remnants of the old regime, and prevent the dangerous rise of the new regime."

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Here, operations are carried out daily to deter threats, eliminate remnants of the old regime, and prevent the dangerous rise of the new regime.

Katz directly addressed Syria's interim president, Ahmed Shar'a, saying, "Wake up in the morning in the presidential palace in Damascus and look up at Mount Hermon and see Israel. You will continue to know that we are here to protect our communities and our borders." He emphasized that Israeli forces would remain as long as threats persist, stating, "This is what we have been doing and this is what we intend to continue to do."

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Wake up in the morning in the presidential palace in Damascus and look up at Mount Hermon and see Israel. You will continue to know that we are here to protect our communities and our borders.

The 'security zone' refers to territories occupied by Israel, including parts of southern Syria, southern Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip. Israel claims this zone acts as a buffer against attacks from militant groups. The defense minister also referenced a recent Israeli airstrike on the Abu Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria on August 18, explaining it as an action taken to counter Turkish attempts to establish a foothold in the area.

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As long as threats exist, the Israeli army will remain here to ensure security. This is what we have been doing and this is what we intend to continue to do.

Syria's government strongly condemned Katz's visit and the airstrike, calling them clear violations of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging the international community to take necessary measures to halt these "repeated violations by the occupier."

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Syria condemns the illegal entry of the Israeli Defense Minister and his crossing of the international border.