"An inseparable part of the State of Israel forever": Katz responds to al-Sharaa's speech

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's speech at the UN, clarifying that the Golan Heights, under Israeli sovereignty, is an inseparable part of the state forever. Katz stated that the IDF will not withdraw from Mount Hermon and the security zone, and warned that any attack from Syrian territory will lead to an Israeli response that will leave additional territory under Israeli control.

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's speech at the UN General Assembly, clarifying that the Golan Heights, under Israeli sovereignty, is an inseparable part of the State of Israel forever. Katz said that the IDF will not withdraw from Mount Hermon and the security zone, which were captured in battles during the defensive war of 1973 and handed over to Syria in the 1974 separation agreement, but its terms were violated when Syria became an Iranian base and a threat to Israel. He warned that any attack from Syrian territory will lead to an Israeli response, and that any territory taken this time will remain under Israeli control permanently, in accordance with the laws of war. Katz concluded by saying that Israel will not allow Syria to become a threat to the state and will act to prevent this as necessary. The response comes against the backdrop of al-Sharaa's speech at the UN, which included bombastic declarations according to Katz.