Israel commands forces to gear up for an extended deployment in Syria
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to ready themselves for a continued presence at a key vantage point overlooking Damascus. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to make special preparations for winter deployment in recently seized territory in Syria, despite mounting international pressure to withdraw.
The Israel Defense Forces took control of the demilitarized buffer zone established in 1974 along the Syrian border, extending their reach beyond the Golan Heights, which they have occupied since 1967. Katz announced plans for the IDF to create a temporary “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria to counter any “terrorist threat” that may arise following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime.
On Friday, Katz emphasized the need for the IDF to “set up appropriate facilities and make special preparations for the soldiers to remain on Mount Hermon” within Syria.
Mount Hermon, located near the Lebanese border, holds strategic significance due to its elevation, which allows for extensive observation of the region, including parts of Lebanon. Experts highlight that installing radars on Mount Hermon would enable Israel to monitor a larger area effectively.
“Due to what is happening in Syria – there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak of Mount Hermon,” Katz has stated, as quoted by media.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday that Israel would maintain its position in the buffer zone “until there is an effective force” to uphold a 1974 armistice that halted hostilities between Israel and Syria.
Israel’s military operations in Syria intensified after a surprise offensive led by the Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham jihadist group against government forces triggered a swift collapse of Assad’s government, resulting in the former president’s exile to Russia.
The IDF reported that significant airstrikes conducted across Syria in the past week have destroyed military assets worth billions, taking out a large portion of Syria’s aerial defenses, multiple air force squadrons, and a missile production facility. They also claimed that about 90% of Syria’s “identified strategic surface to air missiles” have been eliminated.
International condemnation of Israel’s actions has been strong, with the UN asserting that they violate the disengagement agreement. The UN called for all parties to cease “all unauthorized presence in the area of separation” on Thursday.
Türkiye, which backs certain Syrian opposition groups that played a role in ousting Assad, has accused Israel of adopting an “occupier mentality.”
In contrast, the US has defended Israel’s military operations in Syria, asserting that they are carried out in self-defense.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
The Israel Defense Forces took control of the demilitarized buffer zone established in 1974 along the Syrian border, extending their reach beyond the Golan Heights, which they have occupied since 1967. Katz announced plans for the IDF to create a temporary “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria to counter any “terrorist threat” that may arise following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime.
On Friday, Katz emphasized the need for the IDF to “set up appropriate facilities and make special preparations for the soldiers to remain on Mount Hermon” within Syria.
Mount Hermon, located near the Lebanese border, holds strategic significance due to its elevation, which allows for extensive observation of the region, including parts of Lebanon. Experts highlight that installing radars on Mount Hermon would enable Israel to monitor a larger area effectively.
“Due to what is happening in Syria – there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak of Mount Hermon,” Katz has stated, as quoted by media.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday that Israel would maintain its position in the buffer zone “until there is an effective force” to uphold a 1974 armistice that halted hostilities between Israel and Syria.
Israel’s military operations in Syria intensified after a surprise offensive led by the Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham jihadist group against government forces triggered a swift collapse of Assad’s government, resulting in the former president’s exile to Russia.
The IDF reported that significant airstrikes conducted across Syria in the past week have destroyed military assets worth billions, taking out a large portion of Syria’s aerial defenses, multiple air force squadrons, and a missile production facility. They also claimed that about 90% of Syria’s “identified strategic surface to air missiles” have been eliminated.
International condemnation of Israel’s actions has been strong, with the UN asserting that they violate the disengagement agreement. The UN called for all parties to cease “all unauthorized presence in the area of separation” on Thursday.
Türkiye, which backs certain Syrian opposition groups that played a role in ousting Assad, has accused Israel of adopting an “occupier mentality.”
In contrast, the US has defended Israel’s military operations in Syria, asserting that they are carried out in self-defense.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
