Official announcements from the United Nations or involved countries

Netanyahu Orders IDF to Seize Golan Buffer Zone and Adjacent Positions as 1974 Agreement Collapses

Dec 8, 2024, 02:30 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to seize control of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights and strategic positions adjacent to it. This move follows Netanyahu's declaration that the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria has collapsed, stating, 'This agreement lasted 50 years. But last night it collapsed. The Syrian army abandoned its positions.' The buffer zone, established under a UN-monitored ceasefire agreement following the 1973 war, was intended to separate Israeli and Syrian forces and maintain a demilitarized area. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not allow any hostile forces to establish themselves near its borders.