Damascus Rejects Israeli Conditions for Negotiations, Golan Remains Syrian Territory
In an official statement, the ministry affirmed that “the Golan will remain Syrian land, and there is no legitimacy for the Israeli occupation there
Syria, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Syria’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated that Damascus’ participation in any talks concerning technical or security-related matters does not in any way imply a concession of its legitimate right to the occupied Syrian Golan.
In an official statement, the ministry affirmed that “the Golan will remain Syrian land, and there is no legitimacy for the Israeli occupation there.” It stressed that discussions held for regional stability or security coordination must not be misinterpreted as political concessions.
The ministry also expressed profound appreciation to all countries that voted at the UN General Assembly in favor of ending the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, describing the vote as a global reaffirmation of international law and the Syrian people’s right to their land.
Netanyahu Demands a Vast Syrian Demilitarized Zone
The Syrian statement came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined new conditions for any potential negotiations with Damascus.
During a visit to an Israeli hospital treating soldiers wounded in recent confrontations in southern Syria, Netanyahu said that any talks would require Syria to accept the establishment of a demilitarized zone stretching from Damascus itself to the southern slopes of Jabal al-Sheikh (Mount Hermon).
Netanyahu claimed that the occupation needed to retain control over these territories “to ensure the security of Israeli citizens”—a justification long used by Israeli officials to expand occupation policies.
He added:
“What we expect Syria to do is to establish a demilitarized buffer zone from Damascus to the buffer zone area, including the approaches to Mount Hermon and the summit of Mount Hermon. We hold these territories to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel… In this spirit, it is possible to reach an agreement with the Syrians.”
Israeli Annexation Claims Reject International Law
Netanyahu’s latest statements follow his declaration last year that the occupied Syrian Golan Heights are Israeli “for eternity.”
Speaking in occupied al-Quds on December 10, 2024, he thanked US President Donald Trump for recognizing Israel’s unlawful annexation of the territory in 1981, asserting that the high ground forms the “sovereign” frontier of the occupation state.
The Israeli position continues to defy international law, United Nations resolutions, and the stance of every state bordering occupied Palestine.
UN bodies have repeatedly affirmed that Israel’s actions constitute a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria, which prohibits unilateral changes to the status of the territory. (PW)