Official announcements from the Israeli government or credible international news agencies

Netanyahu Visits Mount Hermon in Syria for First Time, Vows IDF Will Stay Until Security Ensured

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 Bashar al-Assad. Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Major General Uri Gordin, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, conducted a security assessment at the summit of Mount Hermon. During the visit, Netanyahu expressed nostalgia, recalling his visit to the same location 53 years ago on an IDF patrol. He declared that Israeli forces would remain in the area until another arrangement is found that ensures Israel's security, citing the dramatic events unfolding in Syria. The visit comes after Israel seized a buffer zone in southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights following Assad's ouster by rebels. Defense Minister Katz emphasized the strategic importance of Mount Hermon, stating it serves as Israel's eyes for monitoring threats from nearby and distant enemies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and rebels in Damascus. Katz also instructed the IDF to prepare for an extended stay and to complete fortifications in the area.