-
Damascus Condemns Netanyahu’s Visit to Mount Hermon, Describing It as a “Flagrant Violation” of Its Sovereignty
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s field visit to the Mount Hermon area, describing it as a provocative move and a clear violation of international law and the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said Damascus categorically rejects this “illegal entry” and considers it a blatant assault on its territorial integrity. The developments come amid Israel’s continued expansion of its military control inside Syrian territory, extending its occupation of the Golan Heights, which began after the 1967 war, as well as Israel’s 1981 decision to annex the area—an action that has not been internationally recognized.
The Israeli military moves coincide with rapidly unfolding domestic political developments, as attention turns to the Knesset elections scheduled for October 27, 2026. Electoral authorities recently closed the deadline for submitting party lists, with 38 lists registered. Thirteen of them are expected to surpass the electoral threshold.
Recent opinion polls indicate a divided political landscape. The Yashar party, led by former Israeli army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, is projected to win 25 seats, ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud party, which received 21 seats in the poll.
The figures show a close balance of power, with opposition parties collectively securing 57 seats compared with 51 for Netanyahu’s bloc, while Arab parties hold 12 seats. These figures point to the possibility that the political deadlock will continue, making it difficult for either bloc to secure the 61 seats required to form a stable government.
