UN passes resolutions demanding Israel retreat from Golan Heights, Judea and Samaria

Israel slams UN resolution demanding full withdrawal from the Golan Heights, says the world body is “disconnected from reality.”

By World Israel News Staff

The United Nations General Assembly voted Tuesday to pass a pair of resolutions demanding Israel withdraw from Judea and Samaria, as well as the entire Golan Heights, drawing a sharp condemnation from Israel.

A non-binding measure submitted by Egypt called Israel’s December 14, 1981 annexation of the Golan Heights “null and void,” declaring Israel’s presence in the strategic plateau “illegal” and demanding Israel withdraw to the pre-1967 lines.

More than 30,000 Israeli Jews have settled in the Golan Heights since 1967, and make up a majority of the area’s population.

The resolution was passed by a wide majority, with 123 votes in favor, 7 against and 41 abstentions.

The countries voting against the resolution included Israel, the US, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Micronesia.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon slammed the vote and mocked the United Nations General Assembly, calling it “disconnected from reality.”

“The UN General Assembly once again proves how disconnected it is from reality,” Danon said.

“Instead of addressing the crimes of the Iranian axis and the dangerous activities of militias in Syria, it demands that Israel withdraw from the Golan Heights – a vital defense line that protects our citizens. Israel will not return to the 1967 lines and will not abandon the Golan. Not now, not ever.”

In a separate vote, the General Assembly approved a resolution demanding Israel withdraw from Judea, Samaria, and eastern Jerusalem.

This measure passed with 151 votes in favor, 11 against, and 11 abstentions.

The Syrian government is currently attempting to secure a partial Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, with a return to the pre-December 2024 boundaries and restoration of the 1974 separation of forces lines.

Thus far, Israel has refused the demand, stating that the IDF will maintain long-term control over the Golan buffer zone, including the summit of Mount Hermon, due to security risks from armed groups in southern Syria.