The Israeli military's decision reflects ongoing tensions in the Golan Heights following Syria's regime changes.
Israeli Defense Forces Establish Winter Presence on Mount Hermon Amid Regional Tensions
Israeli Defense Forces Establish Winter Presence on Mount Hermon Amid Regional Tensions
IDF prepares for prolonged winter deployment, citing security concerns over Syrian developments.
Israeli forces are gearing up for a winter of heightened readiness on the peak of Mount Hermon, which marks the border between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon, as well as a UN-designated demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights. This directive from Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, comes in light of significant territorial changes following the recent upheaval in the Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad.
In an official statement, Katz emphasized the critical nature of Israel maintaining control over the Mount Hermon region, indicating that it holds "enormous security importance" amid Syria's evolving situation. He showcased an image on social media depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surveying the area, harking back to Israel's reclaiming of the territory after over five decades.
The United Nations has urged Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone established by a 1974 agreement, citing concerns over the violation of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed grave concerns about Israel’s recent military activities in the area, reiterating that the disengagement agreement remains valid and calling for compliance from all involved parties.
The peak of Mount Hermon, strategically located on the border of Syria and Lebanon, houses a UN base that falls within the buffer zone. Israel has historically positioned itself in this area since capturing it during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexing it in 1981, a move largely unrecognized internationally, although endorsed by the US in 2019.
Following the rebellion that weakened Assad’s grip on Syria, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took control of the buffer zone and fortified their positions in the Golan Heights. As winter approaches, Katz stressed the necessity for the IDF troops to be fully equipped to endure the harsh conditions, ensuring their operational readiness.
Guterres condemned the ongoing military strikes by Israeli forces in Syria, which have reportedly exceeded 350 in just a week's time. Israel has justified these actions as necessary to prevent weapons from reaching militant groups in the region. The situation in the Golan Heights continues to remain a focal point of tension and diplomatic complexity, as competing interests clash in an increasingly volatile theater.
In an official statement, Katz emphasized the critical nature of Israel maintaining control over the Mount Hermon region, indicating that it holds "enormous security importance" amid Syria's evolving situation. He showcased an image on social media depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surveying the area, harking back to Israel's reclaiming of the territory after over five decades.
The United Nations has urged Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone established by a 1974 agreement, citing concerns over the violation of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed grave concerns about Israel’s recent military activities in the area, reiterating that the disengagement agreement remains valid and calling for compliance from all involved parties.
The peak of Mount Hermon, strategically located on the border of Syria and Lebanon, houses a UN base that falls within the buffer zone. Israel has historically positioned itself in this area since capturing it during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexing it in 1981, a move largely unrecognized internationally, although endorsed by the US in 2019.
Following the rebellion that weakened Assad’s grip on Syria, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took control of the buffer zone and fortified their positions in the Golan Heights. As winter approaches, Katz stressed the necessity for the IDF troops to be fully equipped to endure the harsh conditions, ensuring their operational readiness.
Guterres condemned the ongoing military strikes by Israeli forces in Syria, which have reportedly exceeded 350 in just a week's time. Israel has justified these actions as necessary to prevent weapons from reaching militant groups in the region. The situation in the Golan Heights continues to remain a focal point of tension and diplomatic complexity, as competing interests clash in an increasingly volatile theater.
