Arab League Condemns Israeli Occupation of ‘Buffer Zone’ in Syria, Calls for UN Action

The 22-member bloc convened in Cairo to establish a unified position on Israel’s actions, with Egypt’s Foreign Ministry releasing the details of the resolution.

The Arab League called on the UN Security Council to hold a session to address Israel’s occupation of the buffer zone in Syria, describing it as a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement.

The resolution further demanded that Israel comply with UN Resolution 497 (1981) and withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights.

Israel began its offensive to seize more Syrian territory on Sunday, after foreign-backed militants led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) declared the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's government after a swift two-week assault.

Israeli troops entered towns in Quneitra, forcibly evacuating residents and occupying the summit of Jabal al-Sheikh, a strategic observation point for Syria and Lebanon.

The mountain, which rises 2,814 meters (9,232 feet), is the highest point on the eastern Mediterranean coast.

Reports indicate that Israeli forces have advanced beyond the buffer zone toward Damascus, carrying out hundreds of aerial strikes across Syria.

These strikes targeted Syrian military bases, air defense systems, intelligence facilities, and missile depots.

Israel also destroyed naval vessels, helicopters, and Syria’s MiG-29 fighter jet fleet, according to reports.

While Israeli officials said the strikes were intended to eliminate capabilities that militants could use to attack Israel, analysts argue Syria’s military infrastructure was already insufficient to pose a credible threat.

The Arab League resolution denounced Israel’s escalation as a "violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement" and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable.

Meanwhile, Israeli war minister Israel Katz ordered troops to “prepare to remain” in Syria through the winter, including positions on Jabal al-Sheikh.

Katz said the directive followed discussions with the army’s chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, and senior military officials.