Israeli Defense Forces Readying for Winter at Mount Hermon Amid Regional Tensions

The decision by Israel's Defense Minister underscores the strategic significance of Mount Hermon following recent Syrian political turmoil, while the UN insists on adherence to international agreements regarding the buffer zone.

Israeli forces are set to intensify their presence on Mount Hermon as winter approaches, reflecting a proactive military stance in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that troops are under orders to establish readiness at the peak, which is strategically located at the convergence of the Syrian and Lebanese borders, as well as adjacent to a UN-designated demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights. This decision follows Israel's claimed control of the area after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government faced significant instability.

In a statement addressing the situation, Katz emphasized, "Due to what is happening in Syria, there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak." A recent image shared on social media by Katz depicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surveying the area with binoculars, commemorating what they termed a restoration of control over a territory held by Israel for over five decades.

The United Nations has reacted to Israel's maneuvers with caution. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed profound concern regarding the actions taken by Israel, which he denounced as violations of Syria's sovereignty, reaffirming that the 1974 disengagement agreement—establishing the buffer zone—remains relevant. He specifically criticized Israel's presence in this area as unauthorized and called upon all parties involved to respect their commitments to this agreement.

The backdrop to Israel's current actions can be traced to the ongoing crisis in Syria, which has allowed the IDF to reposition its forces following the exit of Syrian troops from the buffer zone. Historically, the Golan Heights was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and was formally annexed in 1981 without international recognition—though the United States acknowledged this move in 2019.

As tensions mount, the IDF is implementing measures to ensure that their soldiers are equipped for the challenging winter conditions at Mt Hermon. Meanwhile, Guterres has highlighted the worrying prevalence of Israeli airstrikes in Syria, which have increased dramatically, with over 350 operations reportedly conducted recently against Syrian military installations.

Israeli officials maintain that these airstrikes are essential for preventing advanced weaponry from reaching extremist factions. The current situation illustrates a complex interplay of military strategy, international law, and regional politics, highlighting the areas of contention that remain unresolved despite years of diplomatic efforts.