The incident prompted a condemnation from Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, which accused Israel of violating Syria’s territorial integrity through its operations in the Quneitra and Daraa regions.
By United with Israel Staff
Turkey and Israel exchanged sharp criticism Monday after Israeli forces thwarted what was believed to be an attempted terrorist infiltration from southern Syria.
According to the IDF, troops operating in the security zone identified an armed terrorist cell approaching the border. Israeli media later reported that the suspects were believed to be on their way to infiltrate Israel and carry out a major terrorist attack.
Soldiers from the IDF’s 6th Brigade engaged the cell and eliminated several terrorists before they reached the frontier.
A short time later, Israeli forces came under additional gunfire while operating in the area. The troops returned fire, launched mortar rounds, and an Israeli Air Force helicopter struck an open area to support the ground forces. No Israeli soldiers were injured.
Israeli media reported that defense officials are preparing for continued operations along the Syrian border amid ongoing instability, terrorist activity, and concerns that hostile groups are seeking to establish themselves near Israel.
The incident prompted a condemnation from Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, which accused Israel of violating Syria’s territorial integrity through its operations in the Quneitra and Daraa regions.
Ankara called the strikes a violation of international law and the 1974 Israel-Syria Separation of Forces Agreement.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the accusation, saying the operation targeted armed terrorists who posed a threat to Israeli forces.
“Contrary to the claims made here, Israel acted against armed terrorists,” the ministry said. “It was Syrian militants who violated the 1974 Israel-Syria Separation of Forces Agreement by entering the buffer zone in December 2024.”
Contrary to the claims made here, Israel acted against armed terrorists.
It was Syrian militants who violated the 1974 Israel-Syria Separation of Forces Agreement by entering the buffer zone in December 2024.
And Turkey, which lectures others about Syria’s territorial… https://t.co/Pt9etsgUDa
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 29, 2026
The ministry also turned the criticism back on Ankara, accusing Turkey of hypocrisy by condemning Israel while maintaining its own military presence in northern Syria for years.
The incident also drew condemnation from Qatar, which accused Israel of violating Syria’s sovereignty and international law.
In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called on the international community to “deter Israel,” compel it to comply with international law, and hold it accountable for what it described as “repeated crimes and attacks.”
The ministry warned that continued Israeli operations would further destabilize the region and reaffirmed Qatar’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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