Syria accuses Israel of building military line as UAE, Qatar and Jordan condemn
In short
Syria's Foreign Ministry accused Israel of building major military fortifications in Syrian territory along the occupied Golan Heights, calling the “Sufa 53 Line” a flagrant violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement. The UAE condemned the resumption of excavation and bulldozing there and called on the international community to act; Qatar and Jordan also condemned the work. There was no immediate reaction from Israel.
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Syria's Foreign Ministry accused Israel of building major military fortifications in Syrian territory along the occupied Golan Heights, saying work on a “Sufa 53 Line” was a “flagrant violation” of the 1974 disengagement of forces agreement brokered by US secretary of state Henry Kissinger. The ministry said the construction continues the “aggressive approach of the Israeli occupation, along with its attacks and field incursions”, according to The National. [ 1 ]
The United Arab Emirates condemned what it described as Israeli forces' resumption of excavation and bulldozing operations, and the construction of fortifications, in Syrian territory in the area referred to as the “Sufa 53 line”. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Israel's continued attacks on Syrian territory constitute a flagrant violation of international law and of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel, which it said Israel is obliged to uphold. [ 2 , 4 ]
The UAE ministry reaffirmed its rejection of any violation of Syria's sovereignty and any threat to its security and stability, expressed solidarity with the Syrian people and support for efforts to fulfil their aspirations, and called on the international community to take immediate action to halt Israel's repeated attacks and prevent further escalation that could heighten regional tensions. [ 4 ]
Qatar, a major backer of the post-Assad order in Syria, and Jordan issued similar condemnation and called for an end to Israeli occupation of Syrian territory, The National reported. There was no immediate reaction from Israel. [ 1 ]
The National reported that if the Sufa Line is completed, the 1974 ceasefire line negotiated by Kissinger would move east, entrenching old and new occupation of Syrian territory and potentially undermining a US drive for peace. The areas near the occupied Golan Heights have been the scene of an increasing number of Israeli incursions this year, it said. [ 1 ]
Israeli troops crossed into southern Syria and areas west of Damascus and occupied parts of those regions soon after rebel forces led by current President Ahmad Al Shara ousted the regime of Bashar Al Assad in December 2024, the report said. A security source based in Amman said Israel started work on the Sufa 53 Line in 2022 to counter infiltration by Hezbollah and other militant groups supported by Iran, describing a major military line running from west Damascus to the border of Jordan, comprising a north-south road and major barriers, observation posts and firing positions. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The documents say completing the line would move the 1974 ceasefire line east, entrenching old and new occupation of Syrian territory and potentially undermining a US drive for peace. Condemnation from Qatar, Jordan and the UAE, plus the Emirati warning of heightened regional tensions, points to wider regional friction over Israeli operations in Syria. The documents give no basis for consequences beyond those stated.
Key facts
- Syria's Foreign Ministry accused Israel of building major military fortifications in Syrian territory along the occupied Golan Heights, describing the “Sufa 53 Line” as a “flagrant violation” of the 1974 disengagement of forces agreement. [ 1 ]
- Qatar and Jordan issued similar condemnation and called for an end to Israeli occupation of Syrian territory. [ 1 ]
- The UAE condemned Israeli forces' resumption of excavation and bulldozing operations and the construction of fortifications in Syrian territory in the area referred to as the “Sufa 53 line”. [ 2 , 4 ]
- The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operations are a flagrant violation of international law and of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. [ 4 ]
- The UAE called on the international community to take immediate action to halt Israel's attacks on Syrian territory and prevent further escalation. [ 2 , 4 ]
- There was no immediate reaction from Israel. [ 1 ]
- A security source based in Amman said Israel began work on the Sufa 53 Line in 2022 to counter infiltration by Hezbollah and other Iran-supported militant groups. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The UAE condemned Israeli forces' resumption of excavation and bulldozing operations and the construction of fortifications in Syrian territory in the area referred to as the “Sufa 53 line”. [ 2 , 4 ]
- The UAE called on the international community to take immediate action to halt Israel's attacks on Syrian territory and to prevent further escalation. [ 2 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- Whether Israel has responded to the Syrian and Emirati statements The National reported there was no immediate reaction from Israel, and no document records a response.
- The claim that Israel began work on the Sufa 53 Line in 2022 to counter Hezbollah infiltration It rests on a single unnamed security source based in Amman, cited only by The National.
- When the excavation and bulldozing operations the UAE condemned resumed, and what earlier work they follow The UAE statement refers to a “resumption”, but the documents do not say when it began or what preceded it.
- The UAE said the operations are a flagrant violation of international law and of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel. Reported by a single source so far
- There was no immediate reaction from Israel to the accusations. Reported by a single source so far
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- The National publishes Syria's accusation that Israel is building the “Sufa 53 Line”, citing the Syrian Foreign Ministry statement. [ 1 ]
- The UAE's state news agency WAM reports the UAE's condemnation of Israeli excavation and bulldozing in Syrian territory. [ 2 ]
- Gulf News publishes the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement condemning the operations and calling for international action. [ 4 ]