In a significant announcement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared during a visit to the Syrian side of Mount Hermon that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would maintain their presence in the area indefinitely.
This statement marked a departure from earlier assurances that Israel’s involvement in the region was a temporary measure. The move underscores Israel’s commitment to securing its northern borders amidst ongoing regional instability.
The Strategic Importance of Mount Hermon
Mount Hermon, straddling the border between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon, holds immense strategic and symbolic significance. Rising to over 2,800 meters, the mountain offers a commanding view of the surrounding region, making it a critical asset for monitoring military activity.
Israel’s decision to establish a security zone on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon stems from concerns about the vacuum left by the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024.
For Israel, the buffer zone serves as a safeguard against hostile forces, including Iranian-backed groups such as Hezbollah, attempting to exploit the instability in Syria.
The fall of Assad’s regime, which had maintained a precarious balance in the region for decades, created an environment ripe for new threats to emerge. The IDF’s presence on Mount Hermon aims to prevent these forces from gaining a foothold near Israeli territory.
The Golan Heights, adjacent to Mount Hermon, has long been a contentious area, and Israel’s control of the region has been central to its defense strategy.
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By extending its presence to the Syrian side of the mountain, Israel seeks to fortify its northern frontier, ensuring the security of its communities in the Golan Heights and beyond.
A Shift in Israeli Policy
Katz’s assertion that the IDF will remain atop Mount Hermon indefinitely represents a notable shift in Israeli policy. Initially, Israel characterized its incursion into the buffer zone as a temporary measure, necessitated by the chaotic aftermath of Assad’s fall.
However, Katz’s latest remarks signal a more permanent strategic posture, emphasizing Israel’s unwillingness to depend on external powers for its security.
The decision to stay indefinitely reflects Israel’s broader concerns about the evolving dynamics in Syria. While the new de facto leader of Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has sought to reassure Israel that his government will not pose a threat, Israeli leaders remain cautious.
The potential for Iran to reestablish itself in Syria, coupled with the risk of weapon transfers to Hezbollah, continues to be a primary concern. Israel’s stance is also shaped by its desire to maintain leverage in the region.
The IDF’s presence on Mount Hermon sends a clear message to both regional actors and global powers that Israel will act decisively to protect its interests. This approach aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning that any threats emanating from Syria will be met with a forceful response.
The military’s preparations for a prolonged stay, including the construction of insulated structures, medical facilities, and the provision of winter equipment, further highlight the seriousness of Israel’s commitment. These measures ensure that IDF troops can operate effectively in the harsh conditions of Mount Hermon, reinforcing Israel’s long-term strategic objectives.
Regional Implications and Future Prospects
Israel’s indefinite presence on Mount Hermon has significant implications for the region. On one hand, it underscores the challenges of achieving stability in a post-Assad Syria.
The collapse of a regime that ruled for over five decades has left a power vacuum that neighboring countries, including Israel, are grappling to address. While the new Syrian leadership under Sharaa offers an opportunity for improved relations, the path to normalization remains fraught with obstacles.
For the Druze community in southern Syria, Israel’s presence on Mount Hermon presents both opportunities and challenges. Katz highlighted Israel’s intention to build connections with “friendly populations” in the area, emphasizing the historic ties between the Druze in Syria and their counterparts in Israel.
This outreach could foster goodwill and strengthen Israel’s position in the region, but it also risks exacerbating tensions with other local groups.
On a broader scale, Israel’s actions may influence the policies of other regional and global actors. By asserting its control over a strategic area, Israel signals its determination to shape the future of the region on its terms. This stance could deter adversaries, but it may also complicate efforts by international powers to mediate a resolution to the Syrian conflict.
The question of how long Israel can maintain its presence on Mount Hermon without triggering a larger conflict remains open. While the current leadership in Syria has expressed a willingness to avoid confrontation, the potential for future tensions cannot be discounted. Moreover, Israel’s continued presence may draw criticism from the international community, particularly if it is perceived as an occupation.
At the same time, Israel’s indefinite stay on Mount Hermon underscores the broader challenges of addressing the root causes of instability in the region.
The fall of Assad’s regime, while ending decades of autocratic rule, has not resolved the underlying issues that fuel conflict in Syria. For lasting peace to be achieved, both regional and global actors will need to address these challenges in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.
The IDF’s indefinite presence on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon reflects Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its security in an increasingly volatile region. While the move marks a departure from earlier assurances of a temporary presence, it aligns with Israel’s broader strategic objectives of preventing hostile forces from gaining a foothold near its borders.
As Israel navigates its relationship with the new Syrian leadership and other regional actors, its actions on Mount Hermon will continue to shape the dynamics of the region. The decision to stay indefinitely underscores the complexities of achieving stability in a post-Assad Syria and highlights the broader challenges facing the Middle East.
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