ALBAWABA - On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assessed security in Mount Hermon in the far northern Golan Heights. Defense Minister Yoav Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and Israel's Northern Command commander visited.
After the visit, Netanyahu said the Golan Heights will be “eternal and inseparable” to Israel. Netanyahu said, “Our presence here, on the summit of the Golan Heights, guarantees our security and sovereignty,” emphasizing the region's strategic significance.
He said, “Israel faces many challenges, but our strength and determination ensure our position as a leading power in the region.” Netanyahu also thanked Trump for recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019.
Mount Hermon is a key observation point for Israel, according to Defense Minister Yoav Katz. Katz: “From here, we monitor Hezbollah's activities in Lebanon and can see Damascus to the north. He called the site “Israel’s eyes” for security concerns.
Katz stressed that the Mount Hermon military presence protects Golan locals and Israelis. He continued, “This location is the key to ensuring Israel’s safety against any potential threat.”
The visit follows the December 8 overthrow of the Assad administration in Syria. As Syrian opposition forces gained Damascus, Israel strengthened its grip on Mount Hermon and other key Golan Heights sites.
Mount Hermon, also known as Jabal al-Sheikh, offers strategic oversight of multiple regions, including Damascus, southern Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and northern Palestine. Historically, its location has caused regional tensions.
