Netanyahu, Visiting Mount Hermon, Indicates the IDF Will Stay Awhile

As the Assad regime fell, the IDF seized Syrian positions on the Israeli border, plus the demilitarized buffer zone, to keep them out of rebel hands.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) visits Israeli forces in a buffer zone inside Syria on Dec. 17, 2024. Israel Government Press Office via AP

Speaking atop the newly conquered summit of Mount Hermon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army will remain in the strategic site on the Syrian border until it can withdraw securely.

Israeli officials have described the move as a limited and temporary measure to ensure the security of Israel’s borders, and have not indicated when they might withdraw the troops. Last week, Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered troops to prepare to remain on Mount Hermon over the winter.