Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly visited Mount Hermon, located in a buffer zone occupied by the Israeli army in Syria, following the fall of the Baath regime. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz claimed that this occupation “strengthens Israel’s security” and serves as a “deterrent” against groups challenging the Baath regime in Syria. Katz stated, “We will remain here in the area occupied after December 7 for as long as necessary.”
According to a written statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu conducted a “situation assessment” at Mount Hermon, which is situated in the buffer zone occupied since December 7. He was accompanied by several officials, including Defense Minister Katz and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.
During the visit, it was noted that Netanyahu reviewed the deployment of the Israeli army in the occupied area. Katz emphasized that the military presence in the buffer zone would continue, asserting that Israeli soldiers are there to protect illegal Jewish settlements in the Golan Heights, which are considered occupied Syrian territory.
Katz further claimed that the occupation enhances Israel’s security and acts as a deterrent against groups opposing the Baath regime. He reiterated, “We will remain here in the area occupied after December 7 for as long as necessary.”
On December 13, Katz indicated that he had instructed the Israeli army to maintain its presence in the area occupied on Mount Hermon during the winter months.
Context of Israeli Military Actions in Syria
Following intensified clashes in Syria on November 27 and the collapse of the Baath regime on December 8, Israeli military actions in Syria increased. The Israeli army began to target the remaining military infrastructure of the regime and expanded its occupation in the Golan Heights. The Israeli military advanced into the buffer zone, pushing closer to the capital, Damascus, by approximately 25 kilometers.
Israel has occupied the Golan Heights, which it claims as its territory, since 1967. The boundaries of the buffer zone and the demilitarized area were established under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria.
