CurrentReport Blog Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has directed Israeli forces to maintain a strategic presence on Mount Hermonthroughout the winter, emphasizing the area’s critical security importance amid escalating tensions with Syria.
This directive follows Israel’s seizure of the UN demilitarized buffer zone on December 8, after the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Katz described Mount Hermon as a “high-value strategic asset” due to its location at the intersection of Syria, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights.
Strategic Significance of Mount Hermon
Mount Hermon, known as the “Eyes of Israel,” offers a strategic vantage point over Syria and Lebanon. The recent Israeli advance into the contested area has drawn international attention and condemnation, especially from the United Nations, which regards the move as a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.
UN Condemns Israeli Actions
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for Israel’s immediate withdrawal from the buffer zone, reaffirming Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The 1974 agreement remains in force,” Guterres stated, urging an end to Israel’s unauthorized military presence in the buffer zone.
Background on Golan Heights
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it in 1981, a move recognized internationally only by the United States in 2019. The annexation and subsequent military actions remain contentious in global diplomacy.
Military Developments
- Over 350 Air and Naval Strikes: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted air and naval operations this week, targeting Syrian military installations to prevent arms from falling into “the hands of extremists.”
- Winter Deployment: Despite harsh weather conditions on Mount Hermon, Katz has called for the IDF to remain equipped and ready to secure the area through the winter.
Netanyahu’s Statement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced the significance of the deployment, sharing an image of himself overlooking the summit. He stated, “Overlooking the Syrian peak of Mount Hermon, which returned to Israeli control after 51 years.”
International Reactions
The development has further strained Israel’s relations with neighboring countries and drawn criticism from global actors advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
