I write to share my concerns regarding the most recent Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. To begin with, paragraph 2 of the report erroneously accuses Israel of committing, “the most significant violation since the conclusion of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.” This accusation misrepresents events and diminishes the fact that an attack originating from Syrian territory resulted in the wounding of four Israeli soldiers.

I find it disconcerting that a legitimate action taken by Israel in self-defense is described as “the most significant violation” when the Syrian government regularly violates the Separation of Forces Agreement.  In the past five months, there have been more intentional attacks on Israel than in the past 40 years.

Furthermore, illegal Syrian activity has increased significantly in the area of separation.  In fact, paragraph 38 of the Report offers examples of the violations committed by the Syrian government, such as “…the dropping of bombs onto the area of separation by the Syrian armed forces aircraft…[and] the use of Syrian armed forces and opposition tanks during clashes in the area of separation.”  It is clear that the most severe violations are, in fact, being committed by the Syrian government. 

Second, paragraph 9 of the Report states: “On one occasion UNDOF observed the IDF on the Alpha side handing over two boxes to armed members of the opposition on the Bravo side.” At the time of the incident in question, UNDOF officials asked the IDF about the contents of the box and were informed that they contained medicine for Syrian citizens that had received medical treatment in Israel and subsequently returned home to Syria. Excluding this vital information from the Report misleads readers and implies Israel was acting in bad faith. 

Finally, I ask the Security Council to acknowledge that in the face of persistent violence and volatility, Israel has acted with considerable restraint.

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.

Yours truly,                

Ron Prosor

Ambassador

Permanent Representative