Katz Emphasizes Security Importance of Mount Hermon
Katz emphasized the significance of maintaining control over Mount Hermon, stating, “Due to developments in Syria, it is of immense security importance to maintain our control over the summit of Mount Hermon.” He acknowledged the harsh winter conditions at the high-altitude site, prompting the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for the challenging conditions during their extended deployment.
IDF to Set Up Specialized Facilities for Soldiers
A spokesperson for the IDF confirmed that specialized facilities would be built to accommodate the soldiers, ensuring their safety and well-being while stationed at Mount Hermon during the winter months.
On Friday, Katz shared a photograph on social media with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Golan Heights, overlooking the Syrian peak of Mount Hermon. Katz described the moment as “exciting,” noting that the summit had returned to Israeli control after 51 years.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. The international community regards the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian land, and Israel’s recent actions have reignited debate over its control of the region.
Earlier this week, the IDF launched a brigade-level operation in the Syrian Hermon region, located within a buffer zone established after the 1973 Middle East war. The Israeli government’s actions to expand control over Mount Hermon and the surrounding area have drawn sharp criticism from Egypt and other Arab nations, condemning them as violations of international norms.
Despite the backlash, the Israeli government continues to defend its military actions, citing national security concerns as a primary justification.
