Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the 1974 agreement, creating a UN-patrolled buffer zone between Israel and Syria null and void. In the wake of the fall of the al-Assad regime and the disappearance of Bashar al-Assad, Netanyahu ordered the IDF into the buffer zone. In particular, the IDF took possession of the 9,232-foot Mount Hermon, the highest point in Israel-Lebanon-Syria-Jordan.
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today that the IDF has seized control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone separating the Israeli-occupied and Syrian-controlled Golan Heights.
Netanyahu said a 1974 agreement that established the zone of separation between the two countries had “collapsed” after Syrian soldiers abandoned their positions.
“We are acting first and foremost to protect our border,” he said. “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border.”
Israeli troops at Mount Hermon after capturing it earlier today.
The IDF will now fortify it and secure it against any outside threats, while warning Syria’s new regime to back away from the Golan. pic.twitter.com/scTbtf4SJ2
— 𝗡𝗶𝗼𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴 ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) December 8, 2024
New gain for Israel:
• Israeli army expands their occupation over the Golan, soldiers have taken control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. https://t.co/6etc7BqA7K pic.twitter.com/xqWkGVLPXU
— MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) December 8, 2024
Addressing IDF soldiers atop Mount Hermon, Netanyahu put their movement in the context of the war initiated by Hamas in October 2023. He said, “You have been doing an outstanding job since the beginning of the war.”
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Netanyahu outlined the dual objectives facing the nation’s military forces. In the south, the goal remains total victory, with a relentless pursuit of eliminating threats posed by Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Meanwhile, in the north, the mission is to restore security and bring back residents to the region.
“We will achieve security restoration in one of two ways: by military means, if required, or through political channels, if possible,” Netanyahu asserted. He issued a stern warning to Hezbollah, emphasizing Israel’s determination to safeguard its borders and ensure the safety of its citizens.
The new position on Mount Hermon is a game-changer in Israel’s war with Hezbollah. From that peak, Israel can visually and electronically monitor any movements by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
