I write to draw your attention to an alarming development in our region.  On 17 August 2013, several mortar shells were fired from Syria near the Israeli town of Keshet, in grave violation of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.  Despite the IDF’s repeated warnings, mortar shells continued to be fired into Israel.  Only after the third shell landed did the IDF fire a warning shot.

These provocations occurred just as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was wrapping up his visit to our region. At the very moment that he was seeking to further the dream of peace, Israelis received yet another reminder of the reality of war.

Israel has repeatedly issued warnings and sent letters to the Security Council cautioning that these sorts of provocations will not be tolerated.  Israel cannot be expected to stand by as Assad’s reign of terror results in shells raining on our citizens.

The continuous attacks on our border have the potential to escalate an already tense situation and further destabilize the region.  Israel has shown maximum restraint thus far. I urge the Security Council to address this development immediately before the situation further escalates.

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