Israel has ordered troops to remain on Mount Hermon throughout the winter, a strategic peak inside a buffer zone with Syria that Israeli forces seized after the collapse of the Assad regime. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the security importance of holding the peak in light of the situation in Syria. Concerns have been raised by the UN over violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity due to Israeli presence in the buffer zone.
Israel claims its deployment to the buffer zone is temporary and defensive, aimed at preventing the regime’s weapons arsenal from falling into the hands of militants. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the collapse of the Assad regime created a vacuum on Israel’s border, which they aim to prevent jihadi groups from exploiting.
The seizure of Mount Hermon by Israel has drawn criticism, with accusations of exploiting the situation in Syria for a land grab. Meanwhile, in Syria, crowds gathered for mass rallies celebrating the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad after his family’s 50 years of rule ended in a rebel advance. The leader of the main rebel group called on Syrians to celebrate the victory peacefully to move towards building the country. Israel’s actions on Mount Hermon have sparked controversy and concerns over the situation in the region.
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