Israeli troops, stationed in strategically important positions in southern Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, will remain on Mount Hermon indefinitely. This was stated today by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz after visiting the military in the area, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Katz stressed that Israel will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves in this part of Syria, defining the presence of Israeli troops as a security measure.
Mount Hermon, with its impressive height and snow-capped peaks, stretches over the Syrian-Lebanese border and provides a strategic view of both the Syrian capital Damascus and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The Golan Heights were captured by Israel in 1967 during the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Israel claims that its troops have deployed in the UN-controlled demilitarized zone as part of efforts to protect its borders. According to Israeli officials, the deployment of military units outside these borders has been temporary and limited.
The international community, including the UN, has strongly criticized Israel's actions, calling them a violation of international agreements. A number of countries have called on Israel to withdraw its troops from Syrian territory.