The Israeli army’s recent actions in the Golan Heights buffer zone have sparked international concern.
The United Nations confirmed on Monday that Israeli troops’ entry into the demilitarized area violates the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, revealed that the UN peacekeeping force, UNDOF, had informed Israel about the breach.
“These actions constitute a violation of the 1974 agreement,” Dujarric stated.
Israeli forces remain in at least three locations within the buffer zone.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision to deploy military units to the zone on Sunday.
He cited the growing instability in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
Netanyahu ordered the army to “seize” the Syrian-controlled section of the Golan Heights.
The Golan Heights has been under Israeli control since 1967, though this annexation is not recognized by most of the international community.
A UN-brokered buffer zone was established in 1974 to separate Israeli and Syrian forces, with peacekeepers stationed to maintain stability.
The Israeli military’s recent deployment in the area was prompted by fears of armed groups potentially crossing into the zone.
“We will continue operations to preserve the buffer zone and defend Israel,” said the Israeli military in a statement.
The UN reiterated that no military forces should be present in the buffer zone.
The organization urged both Israel and Syria to honor the terms of the 1974 agreement and maintain peace in the region.