Israel Controls Mountain Peak to Keep Border Safe

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain control of Mount Hermon’s strategic summit throughout winter, as announced by Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The peak, which towers over the surrounding terrain, serves as a vital location for intelligence gathering and radar operations. While traditionally divided between Israel and Syria, with Syria previously controlling the summit, recent events have altered this arrangement.

IDF Heroes in Syria's Mount Hermon 🇮🇱

We all agree Israel should keep the land, don't we?pic.twitter.com/pjaPWPGk7D

— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) December 12, 2024

During winter months, the mountain becomes snow-covered, hosting Israeli ski enthusiasts on the Israeli portion. The area maintains significant military presence, including the newly established 810th Mountain Brigade.

IDF special forces captured Mount Hermon this week after Syrian forces abandoned their position following the collapse of Assad’s regime on Sunday.

Historically, Israel operated a base lower on the mountain, while Syria controlled the peak. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Syrian forces temporarily captured the Israeli base and resisted two counterattacks before Israel successfully seized both positions. The peak was returned to Syria under a 1974 armistice agreement.

Defense Minister Katz issued orders Friday for military preparations to maintain presence on the Syrian side throughout winter, aiming to prevent hostile forces from controlling the border region following Assad’s overthrow.

Mount Hermon stands at 2,814 meters (9,232 feet). Israel took control of its western part in 1967 and later built a ski resort there, though it’s been closed since 2023 due to the war. Just recently, Israel captured the eastern part of the mountain as a defensive move following… pic.twitter.com/Hve55GO3ND

— Israel Unplugged (@UnplugIsrael) December 12, 2024

The Foreign Ministry defended the action against international criticism, describing it as a temporary security measure to prevent extremist control of the area.

“Due to what is happening in Syria, there is a huge security importance to our holding of the Hermon peak and everything must be done to ensure the IDF’s preparations in the area, to allow the troops to stay there in the difficult weather conditions,” Katz stated Friday.

The duration of IDF’s presence remains uncertain, though preparations suggest a possible long-term occupation given the peak’s strategic value and concerns about Syrian rebel groups, many with radical Islamist ties, potentially controlling this elevated position overlooking Israeli territory.