On December 17, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces will remain in a buffer zone along the Syrian border, specifically at the summit of Mount Hermon, until a new security arrangement is established.
This visit marks the first time a sitting Israeli leader has entered Syrian territory. Netanyahu, who previously visited the summit as a soldier 53 years ago, emphasized the increased significance of the area for Israel's security in light of recent developments.
Critics have condemned Israel's control of the buffer zone, alleging violations of a 1974 ceasefire and suggesting that Israel is taking advantage of the ongoing chaos in Syria for territorial gain.
During the visit, Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to quickly fortify their presence in the area, anticipating a potentially prolonged stay. Katz stated, 'The summit of the Hermon is the eyes of the state of Israel to identify our enemies who are nearby and far away.'
The buffer zone, approximately 155 square miles, was established by the UN following the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and a UN force of about 1,100 troops has patrolled the area since then. Israel continues to control the Golan Heights, which it captured during the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequently annexed, a move not recognized by most of the international community. Only the United States acknowledges Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.