Netanyahu: Israeli troops to stay in Syria for security reasons
(From right) IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Northern Command chief Ori Gordin and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar atop Mount Hermon on the Syrian Side, December 17, 2024. (Defense Ministry)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that Israeli forces would remain stationed inside Syria for the foreseeable future, stressing security concerns during a visit atop Mount Hermon.
This marks the first time a sitting Israeli leader has entered Syrian territory.
Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bat, and Northern Command Head Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin, conducted a security assessment following Israel’s recent entry into the United Nations-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
Israel’s move into the buffer zone on December 8 followed the seizure of Damascus by Syrian rebel groups. Officials maintain the deployment is temporary, aimed at ensuring border security, and assert no intention of further involvement in Syria’s conflict.
Standing on Mount Hermon, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to remaining until a secure arrangement is established. “This place hasn’t changed, but its importance to Israel’s security has only grown, especially given recent events in Syria,” he said.
Reflecting on his past military service, Netanyahu noted, “I was here 53 years ago with my soldiers on a Sayeret Matkal patrol. The significance of this site has been reinforced in recent weeks.”
Defense Minister Katz echoed these sentiments, describing Mount Hermon as “the eyes of the State of Israel to detect near and far threats.”
Israel has stated that it will determine a future arrangement ensuring long-term security along the frontier.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has accused Israel of breaching the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria after Israeli forces seized control of a demilitarised buffer zone previously maintained under the ceasefire.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that the presence of Israeli troops in the zone constitutes a violation of the long-standing agreement.
“The agreement must be upheld; occupation remains occupation, regardless of its duration,” Dujarric said.
