Israeli forces stay in a buffer zone within Syria long term says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday that Israeli military forces will remain stationed in a buffer zone along the Syrian border, particularly at the strategically significant summit of Mount Hermon, until a new security arrangement is put in place to ensure Israel’s safety.

Netanyahu made his announcement while visiting the snow-covered peak of Mount Hermon, a historic occasion as it marks the first time an active Israeli Prime Minister has stepped into Syrian territory. Reflecting on his last visit to the summit as a soldier 53 years ago, Netanyahu underscored the increasing importance of the site given recent regional developments.

The buffer zone in question lies adjacent to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from parts of southern Syria by rebel forces, Israel took control of a portion of the area, citing security concerns. However, this move has sparked criticism, with detractors accusing Israel of violating a 1974 ceasefire agreement and leveraging Syria’s instability to solidify territorial gains.

Netanyahu was joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who directed the military to fortify their presence on Mount Hermon and in the buffer zone, signaling a potentially prolonged engagement. Katz emphasized the summit’s strategic role, stating, “The summit of the Hermon serves as the eyes of the state of Israel to monitor our adversaries both near and far.”

The demilitarized buffer zone, spanning approximately 400 square kilometers (155 square miles), was originally established by the United Nations after the 1973 Middle Eastern conflict. Since then, a U.N. peacekeeping force of roughly 1,100 personnel has been tasked with overseeing the area.

Israel’s control of the Golan Heights, captured from Syria during the 1967 conflict and later annexed in 1981, remains a contentious issue, as the annexation has not been widely recognized internationally. To date, the United States is the only major nation to acknowledge Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The summit of Mount Hermon, shared between the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, Lebanon, and Syria, remains of immense strategic importance for regional monitoring and defense.

Netanyahu’s visit and the reinforced military presence underscore Israel’s commitment to securing its northern border amid ongoing tensions and regional uncertainties.