I am writing to alert you to dramatic events unfolding in our region. On Sunday night, four terrorists originating from Syria infiltrated Israeli territory and attempted to plant an IED in the Israeli Golan Heights. Fortunately, the Israel Defense Force disrupted the operation and avoided an escalation that could have further destabilized an already volatile region.
Israel holds the Syrian government responsible for all attacks originating from its territory. In recent months, the Syrian government has allowed terrorists to use its territory as a launching base to plant roadside bombs, fire rockets into Israel, and open fire on IDF forces inside Israel.
I have repeatedly warned about the growing threat in northern Israel. In my remarks last week to the Security Council, I described how Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is openly operating in the Golan Heights and preparing for a violent confrontation with Israel.
The international community can no longer ignore the warning signs. The threat to our region is very real. Israel will not accept any attacks on its territory and it will exercise its right to self-defense and take all necessary measures to protect its population. I urge the Security Council to immediately and unequivocally condemn this attack and demand that the Syrian Government abide by its obligations under international law.
I should be grateful if you would have this letter distributed as an official document of the Security Council. I wish to inform you that an identical letter has been sent to H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations. Allow me, Excellency, to renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration.