Israeli Defense Minister Katz Visits Mount Hermon Troops, Vows IDF Will Stay Amid Syrian Threats

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF commanders and soldiers stationed at Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, emphasizing that Israeli forces will remain in the area as long as threats to Israel persist. During the visit, Katz held a situation assessment with senior military officials including Deputy Chief of Staff Tamir Yadai, Northern Command Chief Rafi Milo, and others. Katz praised the troops for their ongoing efforts to secure the region.

Katz highlighted the strategic vantage point of the Mount Hermon position, noting that Israeli forces observe Damascus from 35 kilometers away, monitor the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, Hezbollah strongholds, and protect Israeli communities in the Golan and Galilee. He warned of jihadist forces operating on the Syrian side of the border, some embedded within the Syrian regime and others in terrorist groups, all aiming to attack Israel.

Addressing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad directly, Katz stated, "When you wake up in your palace in Damascus and look up at Mount Hermon and see the IDF, you know we are here to defend our settlements and our border." He reaffirmed that the IDF will not withdraw as long as threats remain, citing lessons learned from the October 7 attacks. Katz also mentioned Israeli actions against Turkish attempts to establish a foothold in Syria that could threaten Israeli security interests, as well as strikes on Assad regime military infrastructure to prevent Syria from posing a strategic threat.

Katz concluded that the IDF continues daily operations to thwart threats, dismantle remnants of the old Syrian regime, and prevent dangerous reorganizations, ensuring Israel’s security in the region.

Summary: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF troops at Mount Hermon, declaring the military will maintain its presence to counter ongoing threats from Syria and terrorist groups, while sending a direct message to Syrian leadership and addressing regional security challenges including Turkish activity in Syria.