Netanyahu's Stance on Mount Hermon Occupation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israel will maintain its presence at the strategic Mount Hermon site on the Syrian border until a new arrangement is established. This declaration follows Israel's occupation of Mount Hermon, which occurred amid the chaos following the Syrian revolution that led to the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Israeli officials have characterized this military action as a temporary measure aimed at ensuring border security, although no specific timeline for troop withdrawal has been provided.
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has instructed the Israeli army to prepare for a prolonged stay at Mount Hermon, emphasizing the need for fortifications and defensive measures in the area. Katz stated that the army would remain as long as necessary, indicating a potential shift towards a long-term military presence.
During a recent visit to Mount Hermon, Netanyahu met with Israeli army leaders and security officials to assess the situation. He highlighted the importance of the location for Israel's security and indicated that decisions regarding the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployment would be made based on ongoing assessments.
International Response to Israel's Actions
The United Nations and various countries have condemned Israel's incursion into the buffer zone established after the October 1973 war, labeling it a violation of international agreements. Calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces have been made, reflecting widespread concern over Israel's military actions in the region.
Mount Hermon, which lies at the intersection of Syria and Lebanon, is a critical area that dominates the Syrian Golan Heights, most of which Israel captured during the June 1967 war and subsequently annexed in 1981—a move that has only been recognized by the United States. The ongoing occupation of Syrian territories occurs against the backdrop of Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, raising questions about the broader implications for regional stability and peace efforts.
Israel's long-standing occupation of territories in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon continues to be a contentious issue, with the Israeli government rejecting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.
