Israeli Defense Minister Visits Golan Heights Outpost in Syria, Sends Message to Assad

Defense Minister Israel Katz made another visit to the Hermon outpost within Syrian territory, this time accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking from the location, Katz stated that the presence there serves to protect the communities of the Golan Heights and the Galilee, and to monitor Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley.

Katz directed a clear message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose palace is located approximately 35 kilometers away in Damascus. The Defense Minister emphasized that Israeli forces are present in the Hermon security zone and will not withdraw, in order to defend against jihadist threats originating from the border and within Syria.

According to Katz, following the Israeli military's destruction of enemy infrastructure in Gaza and Lebanon, IDF forces operate nightly in this area to thwart additional infrastructure belonging to jihadist elements. He also addressed Iran, stating that Israel has already struck Iran twice and will do so a third time if necessary. Katz claimed that Iran's nuclear threat has been thwarted, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been eliminated, and Iran's strategic capabilities have been damaged.

Katz concluded by asserting that Israel will continue to act against the Iranian-led Shiite axis and the Muslim Brotherhood axis in the region to ensure citizen security. He wished the soldiers and residents a good and safe year.