Israel to Remain at Mount Hermon Until New Security Arrangements are Made

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on December 17, 2024, that Israel will maintain its presence at Mount Hermon until a new security arrangement can be established to protect the country. During a situational assessment at the Hermon Ridge, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of securing the area and ensuring Israel's safety.

The assessment, which was attended by several senior defense officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Chief Ori Gordin, and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) head Ronen Bar, involved a review of Israel's military deployment in the region. Netanyahu also instructed the IDF to be prepared for a continued presence until at least the end of 2025.

Netanyahu’s Statement on Israel’s Commitment to Security

“We are here for a situational assessment to decide on Israel’s deployment in this important location until another arrangement is found that ensures the security of the state,” Netanyahu said. This decision follows Israel's actions earlier in December when it took control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon to expand the demilitarized buffer zone along the Syrian border.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar characterized Israel's presence on the mount as a "limited, temporary" measure, undertaken to assure the security of the Jewish state following the instability in Syria and the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad's regime. Sa’ar reiterated that the presence was meant to secure the area in the aftermath of significant regional shifts.

Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei voiced his disagreement with Israel's actions, claiming that Israel was "gravely mistaken" regarding the situation in Syria and the belief that the uprising there is over.