Netanyahu says occupied Syrian Golan Heights Israeli 'for eternity'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Dec 2024 00:15

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller claims that "Israel's" actions were in response to the Syrian military withdrawing from the area.

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Israeli occupation forces are seen along a security fence gate near the so-called Alpha Line in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Height, in the town of Majdal Shams, Monday, December 9, 2024. (AP)

The occupied Syrian Golan Heights Israeli "for eternity," said Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a speech on Monday after 60 years of confrontations with Syria under the leadership of now-ousted president Bashar al-Assad and his father, former President Hafez al-Assad.

Speaking in occupied al-Quds, Netanyahu thanked US President-elect Donald Trump for recognizing Israel's 1981 "annexation" of the territory during his first term of presidency and stated that "the Golan will be part of the State of Israel for eternity."

Netanyahu further underscored that Israeli occupation forces' control of the high ground "ensures our security and sovereignty."

"Israel's" actions are considered "a violation" of the 1974 "disengagement agreement" between "Israel" and Syria according to both the United Nations and all countries neighboring occupied Palestine.

Israeli occupation beyond Golan Heights to be 'temporary': US

In turn, the United States on Monday called for "Israel’s" recent incursion into Syria beyond the formerly occupied Syrian Golan Heights to remain strictly "temporary", following United Nations concerns that the move violates the 1974 disengagement agreement.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that "Israel's" actions were in response to the Syrian military withdrawing from the area.

"This is a temporary action they have taken," Miller told reporters. "Ultimately, we want to see that agreement fully upheld, and we’ll monitor to ensure Israel complies," he said.

When asked if the US is urging "Israel" to retreat to its previous positions, Miller referenced the 1974 agreement established after the 1973 War. He noted that the agreement requires "Israel" to withdraw but declined to specify a timeline, using the fluid situation in Syria as a guise.

"Israel has said that these actions are temporary to defend its borders. These are not permanent actions," Miller emphasized. Additionally, he then explained that the US seeks "lasting stability between Israel and Syria, which means all sides must adhere to the 1974 disengagement agreement."

Miller also expressed understanding of "Israel's" concerns, citing the Syrian army’s recent withdrawal from positions near the negotiated buffer zone. He highlighted fears that the resulting vacuum could be exploited by terrorist groups.