Official statements or press releases from international bodies

Israel Orders Military to Stay on Mount Hermon Through Winter, Defense Minister Israel Katz Cites Security Concerns

Dec 13, 2024, 11:00 AM

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israeli military to prepare for a winter deployment on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, a strategic peak that overlooks Damascus. This decision is driven by security concerns related to the ongoing situation in Syria, which Katz described as having 'huge security importance.' The order comes as Israeli forces have recently taken control of parts of Mount Hermon, a region that has been a point of contention since the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement. Katz emphasized the necessity of maintaining a presence in the area to prevent potential threats and ensure stability in the region. The Israeli military is expected to remain in this UN-patrolled buffer zone throughout the winter months, reflecting a strategic shift in Israel's approach to its northern border amid rising tensions in Syria.