The Israeli military’s presence in the demilitarized zone of the Golan Heights is complicating the mission of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), affirmed UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Friday, calling for its withdrawal.

Speaking at a news conference, Lacroix underscored that only UNDOF should operate within the area of separation, emphasizing that Israeli forces’ presence there "has made it difficult and challenging for them (UNDOF) to implement their mandated activities."

Referring to his visits to both Syria and "Israel", Lacroix noted positive discussions with the newly established Syrian government. Regarding his meetings with Israeli officials in occupied al-Quds, he stated, "We have regular interaction with them on a number of issues."

He said he reiterated his concern about the presence of the Israeli military in the area of separation, saying, "It’s clearly a violation of the 1974 agreement between Israel and Syria," he added.

Lacroix also relayed complaints from local residents in the area, stressing the need to address their concerns and ensure their safety, security, and well-being.

"What I can say is that Israel has been indicating that this is a temporary presence (at the Golan Heights). Obviously, the sooner that presence, which is a violation, ends, the better," he pointed out.

Syrian ministers discuss Israeli presence in south with UN delegation

The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Wednesday that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra met with a UN delegation, addressing the issue of the illegal Israeli presence in southern Syria.

The UN delegation was led by Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Major General Patrick Gouesla, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), SANA mentioned. 

During the meeting, it was emphasized that Syria is fully prepared to cooperate with the United Nations and assert its positions along the borders in accordance with the 1974 mandate, provided that there is an immediate Israeli withdrawal.  

For its part, UNDOF reaffirmed its full commitment to resolving this issue and restoring stability to the border and the wider region.  

UNDOF also expressed its readiness to support demining operations, ensure the quality of essential services, and coordinate efforts between relevant authorities and organizations working to clear explosives and remnants of war, contributing to a safer Syria.

This comes as Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Israeli forces that seized strategic positions in southern Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime will remain stationed at the summit of Mount Hermon indefinitely.

During a visit to the Israeli troops in the area, Katz emphasized that "Israel" would not permit what he described as hostile forces to establish a presence in southern Syria.

Mount Hermon, a vast cluster of snowcapped peaks overlooking the Syria-Lebanon border, provides a strategic vantage point over the Damascus countryside and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; a Syrian territory "Israel" occupied during the 1967 war.  

"Israel" has stated that its troops have taken up positions within a UN-monitored demilitarized zone inside Syria, with some units advancing beyond it.

Israeli officials have previously claimed these deployments were limited and part of temporary measures to safeguard Israeli security.

However, "Israel’s" military presence in Syrian territory has drawn criticism from multiple countries and the United Nations, which has called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, citing violations of international agreements.

In December 2024, Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the occupied Syrian Golan Heights were Israeli "for eternity".

Netanyahu has also instructed the military to prepare to remain in the Syrian Mount Hermon area and the UN-patrolled buffer zone until at least the end of 2025.

The premier emphasized that Israeli forces would remain stationed there "until another solution ensuring Israel's security is found."

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