Egyptian foreign ministry: Golan Heights an integral part of Syrian territory

 Egypt’s foreign ministry said yesterday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement regarding his country’s plan to retain the occupied Golan Heights is a violation of international law and international legitimacy.

In a statement, the ministry said Netanyahu’s remarks constitute a violation of international law and UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, stressing that the Golan Heights are an integral part of Syrian territory.

On Monday, both the Arab Parliament and the Arab League denounced Netanyahu’s comments on the Golan, considering them provocative and a blow to international efforts for peace.

During his address to the Israeli Cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu said that Israel will not withdraw from the Golan Heights and that it will remain under Israeli sovereignty permanently, adding that he refuses to hand it over to any party.

“The time has come for the world to recognise Golan as part of Israeli,” Netanyahu said.

Israel occupied the Golan Heights during the 1967 Six Day War after it defeated the Arab armies and conquered Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

In 1981, Israel announced the annexation of the Heights to its territory, a move that was not recognised by the international community.