Official announcements from the Israeli government and reports from international news agencies

Israel Seizes Golan Buffer Zone as Netanyahu Declares 1974 Agreement Collapsed

Dec 8, 2024, 01:46 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to seize control of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights near Syria, including reportedly taking over Mount Hermon. This move comes after Syrian troops reportedly abandoned their positions, leading Netanyahu to declare the 1974 disengagement agreement collapsed. The IDF action aims to protect Israeli communities in the Golan Heights from potential threats. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation is meant to ensure the safety of both Jewish and Druze communities in the area. Netanyahu emphasized that the IDF's presence in the buffer zone is a temporary defensive measure.