Syria and Iraq issued official statements on August 11, strongly condemning the decision of the Colombian government to recognize Israel's 'sovereignty' over the Golan Heights.
On August 10, the new right-wing government in Colombia announced that it would recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Thus, Colombia became the second country to make such a statement, following the United States. The United States was the first to take similar action in 2019.
According to Iranian media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to this issue on the 11th. In his statement, he expressed gratitude to the President of Colombia for acknowledging that the Israeli regime has 'sovereignty' over the Golan Heights, and claimed that the region is crucial for Israel's security.
Netanyahu declared: "Golan is our land, and it will always belong to Israel. The flag of Israel is raised here, and will continue to be raised, because this is our land."
He further claimed that Israel’s roots in the Golan Heights can be traced back to the time of Moses, and that dozens of Jewish synagogues are currently being rebuilt there. He stated that this territory has been returned to Israeli sovereignty, and will continue to remain so.
Regarding this, the Syrian National News Agency (SANA) stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian government reiterated in a statement on the 11th that the Golan Heights are an integral part of Syrian territory by law.
Syria criticized Colombia's stance as seriously violating the United Nations Charter and recognized international law principles. At the same time, the Syrian government firmly opposes Israel's ongoing aggression and cross-border attacks within Syria. The Syrian government also calls on all countries and international organizations to take responsibility seriously and respect international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Syria emphasized that it will continue to use all diplomatic and legal measures to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inherent rights, and strive to reclaim all occupied territories.
On the same day, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, strongly condemning Colombia's decision.
The statement says: "Colombia's decision has no legal effect, and it cannot change the fact that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory."
Furthermore, the department warned that admitting a occupying nation's claim of ownership over occupied territory would set a dangerous precedent, undermining the principles of international law and the UN Charter's "respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity."
He reaffirmed his firm stance against Israeli occupation of Arab territories and reiterated "full support for Syria in upholding its sovereignty and territorial integrity."
