Netanyahu Inspects Recently Captured Syrian Lands
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israeli forces will remain in the newly acquired Syrian territory for an indefinite period. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered remarks from the summit of Mount Hermon, stating that Israeli forces will continue to operate within a buffer zone in newly seized Syrian territory until a mutually acceptable arrangement with Damascus is reached “that ensures Israel's security.”
On Tuesday, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, and other senior military officials, Netanyahu assessed the strategic mountain peak in Syria, located just north of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli troops were deployed to secure this area amid the turmoil following the recent collapse of Bashar Assad’s government.
"I am here on the summit of Mount Hermon with senior commanders to assess the situation and determine the best arrangement that ensures our security," Netanyahu conveyed in a video message shared across his social media platforms in multiple languages.
Reflecting on his past visit to the site, he remarked, “I was here 53 years ago as a soldier. The place hasn’t changed, but its importance to our security has grown significantly.”
Katz highlighted the strategic importance of Mount Hermon, noting its critical role in surveillance and monitoring of Hezbollah activities in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon.
The Golan Heights, which were part of Syria’s Quneitra Province, were taken by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and were unilaterally annexed in 1981. Israel’s claim to the region is largely rejected by the international community, with the exception of the United States, which recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019 under President Donald Trump.
The recent Israeli advancement into Syrian territory has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and several Arab nations, with a UN spokesperson asserting that “occupation remains occupation, regardless of its duration.”
Additionally, Russia has expressed concerns regarding Israel’s actions. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov cautioned against the “hotheads” in West Jerusalem being “intoxicated by opportunities” that arise from the current crisis in Syria. He emphasized that the annexation of the Golan Heights is “absolutely unacceptable” and urged Israel to fully adhere to the 1974 disengagement agreement.
With Assad’s government in decline, a power vacuum has emerged in Syria, leading to the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham gaining ground. While HTS leaders have criticized Israel’s increased military presence, they have indicated that they are not seeking confrontation with West Jerusalem.
IDF Chief of Staff Halevi previously stated that Israel “isn’t intervening in what is happening in Syria” and does “not intend to administer Syria.” Nevertheless, he asserted that following the collapse of the Syrian Army, Israel must ensure that “extreme terror elements won’t settle close to our border.”
Alongside its operations in the Golan Heights, the IDF has targeted airfields, anti-aircraft installations, and arms depots throughout Syria to prevent weapons from reaching HTS and other armed groups, some of which are supported by Türkiye.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
On Tuesday, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, and other senior military officials, Netanyahu assessed the strategic mountain peak in Syria, located just north of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli troops were deployed to secure this area amid the turmoil following the recent collapse of Bashar Assad’s government.
"I am here on the summit of Mount Hermon with senior commanders to assess the situation and determine the best arrangement that ensures our security," Netanyahu conveyed in a video message shared across his social media platforms in multiple languages.
Reflecting on his past visit to the site, he remarked, “I was here 53 years ago as a soldier. The place hasn’t changed, but its importance to our security has grown significantly.”
Katz highlighted the strategic importance of Mount Hermon, noting its critical role in surveillance and monitoring of Hezbollah activities in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon.
The Golan Heights, which were part of Syria’s Quneitra Province, were taken by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and were unilaterally annexed in 1981. Israel’s claim to the region is largely rejected by the international community, with the exception of the United States, which recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019 under President Donald Trump.
The recent Israeli advancement into Syrian territory has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and several Arab nations, with a UN spokesperson asserting that “occupation remains occupation, regardless of its duration.”
Additionally, Russia has expressed concerns regarding Israel’s actions. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov cautioned against the “hotheads” in West Jerusalem being “intoxicated by opportunities” that arise from the current crisis in Syria. He emphasized that the annexation of the Golan Heights is “absolutely unacceptable” and urged Israel to fully adhere to the 1974 disengagement agreement.
With Assad’s government in decline, a power vacuum has emerged in Syria, leading to the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham gaining ground. While HTS leaders have criticized Israel’s increased military presence, they have indicated that they are not seeking confrontation with West Jerusalem.
IDF Chief of Staff Halevi previously stated that Israel “isn’t intervening in what is happening in Syria” and does “not intend to administer Syria.” Nevertheless, he asserted that following the collapse of the Syrian Army, Israel must ensure that “extreme terror elements won’t settle close to our border.”
Alongside its operations in the Golan Heights, the IDF has targeted airfields, anti-aircraft installations, and arms depots throughout Syria to prevent weapons from reaching HTS and other armed groups, some of which are supported by Türkiye.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
