Reports from international news agencies or official Israeli military announcements

Netanyahu Visits Syrian Mount Hermon for First Time, Vows to Maintain Israeli Presence in Strategic Buffer Zone

Dec 17, 2024, 05:39 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Syrian side of Mount Hermon on Tuesday, marking the first time a sitting Israeli leader has entered Syrian territory since the fall of President Bashar Assad. Accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Major General Ori Gordin, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, Netanyahu reviewed the Israeli military's deployment in the area. The visit to the summit of Mount Hermon, which is inside Syrian territory, was part of a security assessment. Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would remain in the buffer zone on the Syrian border, specifically on the summit of Mount Hermon, 'until another arrangement is found that will ensure Israel's security.' This buffer zone was recently seized by Israel. Defense Minister Katz emphasized the strategic importance of the area, stating that it is crucial for monitoring threats and that the military has been instructed to establish a presence, including fortifications, in anticipation of a prolonged stay.