On 31 May 1974, Israel and Syria sign the Agreement on Disengagement — the instrument fixing the separation line on the Golan after the Yom Kippur War (1973).

Negotiated with U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s mediation, the agreement creates a buffer zone and a UN observer force (UNDOF). Israeli forces withdraw from part of the territory taken in 1973; Syria recovers Quneitra.

The text details limits on armaments and forces on both flanks of the separation zone. It took effect immediately after signing.

Unlike the Egyptian–Israeli Sinai agreement, Syrian disengagement was not followed by peace; the Golan remains disputed, and Israel annexed it in 1981.

For the Levant, 31 May 1974 marks the ceasefire on the northern front of the October 1973 war.

The Avalon text of the agreement remains the standard English diplomatic source.

The Israel–Syria Disengagement Agreement of 31 May 1974 remains the ceasefire framework on the Golan Heights.

Image: Golan Heights; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria. Treaty text: Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria (Avalon).