Foreign Ministry: IDF entered Syria buffer zone, on temporary basis, after violations of 1974 agreement

Responding to France’s demand yesterday that the IDF leave the buffer zone between Israel and Syria, the Foreign Ministry says that the movements of troops into the territory was carried out after violations of the May 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries.

Israel cites “the entry of armed militants into the buffer zone in breach of the agreement, and even attacks on [United Nations Disengagement Observer Force] positions in the area, [therefore] Israeli action was required.”

“This was necessary for defensive reasons due to threats posed by jihadist groups operating near the border, in order to prevent a scenario similar to October 7 in this area,” says the Foreign Ministry, adding that the operation is “limited and temporary.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar made this argument with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot earlier this week, says the ministry.

“Israel will continue to act to defend itself and ensure the security of its citizens as needed,” it says.