Netanyahu and Katz Visit Syrian Golan Heights, Prompting Syrian Condemnation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz conducted a visit to Israeli forces stationed on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon on Sunday. During the visit, Netanyahu stated that Israel's primary mission is to dismantle the Iranian terror regime, asserting that "we are very close to achieving this goal, and we know that the entire axis will eventually collapse." He further emphasized that Israel will not permit any "terror army" to establish itself on its borders.

Defense Minister Katz sent a message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, declaring, "We are here on the Hermon, we are in the security zone, and we will not move from here." Following the visit, Syria issued a strong condemnation, denouncing Netanyahu's entry into its territory as a provocative act and a blatant violation of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2014, Israeli forces have advanced beyond the buffer zone to Mount Hermon, aiming to establish a demilitarized area. Israeli officials have stated there is no intention of withdrawing from southern Syria. Speaking from the outpost overlooking Syrian, Lebanese, and Golan Heights territory, Netanyahu addressed Israeli control in the region and the ongoing threats along its borders.

"On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, we are at the summit of the Hermon, at the crown of the Hermon. Damascus is here, Lebanon is there, the Syrian Golan Heights are there, and we control the entire area from the crown of the Hermon to the Yarmouk, and from here to the Mediterranean Sea, complete control unlike anything seen before," Netanyahu said. He reiterated, "We know that the entire axis will finally fall. We are committed to doing this and we will do it." Netanyahu concluded by wishing Israeli citizens and soldiers a happy new year.