Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Tuesday that Israeli forces will maintain an indefinite presence on Mount Hermon, marking a significant shift in Israel's northern security strategy. During a visit to IDF positions at the mountain's peak, Katz emphasized that Israel would no longer rely on external forces for its defense.
"The IDF will remain at the Hermon summit and in the security zone indefinitely to ensure the security of the Golan Heights settlements, northern communities, and all Israeli citizens," Katz declared while touring military installations with Division 210 Commander Brigadier General Yair Palai and Mountain Brigade 810 Commander Colonel L.
The defense minister stressed that Israel would prevent hostile forces from establishing positions in southern Syria's security zone, particularly along the Sweida-Damascus axis. This announcement comes as part of Israel's broader security reassessment following the October 7 attacks.
