Earlier this month, Israeli troops occupied Mount Hermon when they moved into a demilitarized zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights following the fall of Assad’s government which marked then end of the Syria civil war.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited IDF troops stationed at Mount Hermon on Tuesday.
Syria civil war: Israel, who launched a major military operation in Syria within hours of the toppling of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, razing a majority of the Arab country’s military infrastructure, and capturing the strategic Mount Hermon, has hinted that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) may continue the occupation of Syria’s tallest peak, located in the Golan Heights buffer zone in Syrian territory, for a longer period than earlier anticipated.
Netanyahu reveals Israel’s plan
Earlier, Israel had asserted that its occupation of Mount Hermon was “temporary”, and IDF will soon withdraw from the area, however, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited Israeli troops at Mount Hermon on Tuesday, revealed Israel’s intentions, stating that IDF will remain stationed in the region “until another arrangement is found”.
“We are holding this assessment in order to decide on the deployment of the IDF in this important place until another arrangement is found that ensures Israel’s security,” a statement issued by Israeli PMO quoted Netanyahu as saying.
‘IDF will remain there till needed’
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed PM Netanyahu’s position on the country’s occupation of Mount Hermon, stating that Israeli forces will remain stationed there “as long as needed”. Katz did not mention how long this need will remain.
The Israeli Defense Minister said that Mount Hermon will be used by the IDF to keep an eye on near and far threats, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the rebel forces which have captured Damascus after toppling Assad. Katz said the Israeli army will soon complete the necessary arrangements for its deployment in the area and fortification work has started.
Israel seizes Mount Hermon
Earlier this month, Israeli troops occupied Mount Hermon when they moved into a demilitarized zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights following the fall of Assad’s government which marked then end of the Syria civil war.
Israeli officials have described the move as a limited and temporary measure to ensure the security of Israel’s borders but have given no indication of when the troops might be withdrawn and Katz last week ordered troops to prepare to remain on Mount Hermon over the winter.
On Tuesday, Netanyahu went to the site for an operational briefing with military commanders and security officials.
Arab nations condemn move
Israel’s military actions in Syria have been heavily criticised by Arab nations, who have called on the international community to respect Syria’s sovereignty.
While Israel has claimed that its its move into Syria is limited to the buffer zone and not a permanent occupation, several reports in the Israeli media have quoted sources as saying that Israeli forces could be deployed in the buffer zone for a long time. Notably, Israel already occupies the Golan Heights region, a strategic plateau in southwestern Syria adjoining Mount Hermon.
The Golan Heights region was captured by Israel in the 1967 war, and the Jewish nation has occupied the area ever since, even though the occupation has been deemed illegal under international law, and no major country, except the United States, recognises Israel’s claim to the region.