Netanyahu visits troops in Syria, drawing condemnation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli troops stationed in occupied Syrian territory on Mount Hermon on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, drawing strong condemnation from Damascus. The visit, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior military officials, was described by Syria as an illegal entry and a blatant violation of its sovereignty and international law. Syria's Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the prime minister's presence, calling it a provocative step that threatened regional security and stability. Damascus demanded that the United Nations and international organizations act to halt such incursions and ensure adherence to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Israel has maintained a military presence in a security zone on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon since taking control of the former UN-patrolled buffer zone following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024. During the visit, Netanyahu reiterated claims that Iran's government is nearing collapse and that its regional allies, referred to as an "axis," would ultimately fall.