Israel plans to remain in Mount Hermon, Syria security zone as threats persist, Katz says
Israel plans to remain in Mount Hermon, Syria security zone as threats persist, Katz says
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Katz told IDF troops: "We will not move from Mount Hermon and the security zone as long as there are jihadist threats to the State of Israel." He added a message to Damascus: "when you wake up in the morning in the palace in Damascus and look up at Mount Hermon and see the IDF, you know that we are here to protect our communities and our border."
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Mossad chief Roman Gofman met Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani in Amman in what is described as high-level diplomacy aimed at easing tensions and discussing security arrangements.
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In ongoing border negotiations, Israel is seeking binding security guarantees, while Damascus demands full respect for sovereignty and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-2024 positions.
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Katz emphasized Mount Hermon’s strategic vantage, noting the position overlooks Damascus from about 35 kilometers (21 miles) away and provides surveillance over the Bekaa Valley and Hezbollah strongholds.
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Market observers priced the probability of a withdrawal from beyond the Litani River by December 31 at about 11%, signaling skepticism about near-term de-escalation.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed Monday that Israel will maintain its military presence on Mount Hermon and in Syria's buffer zone indefinitely, citing persistent jihadist threats. i24news reported Katz told troops stationed there: "We will not move from Mount Hermon and the security zone as long as there are jihadist threats to the State of Israel." The strategic hilltop overlooks Damascus from 35 kilometers away and provides surveillance of the Bekaa Valley and Hezbollah positions.
The defiant stance complicates ongoing border negotiations mediated by the US and Jordan. Middle East Monitor noted that Katz emphasized the strategic importance of the position for border defense. Meanwhile, Damascus demands full Israeli withdrawal to pre-2024 positions. Market analysts assess the probability of an Israeli pullback by year-end at just 11%, reflecting deep skepticism about near-term de-escalation.
Katz Draws a Line on Syria Occupation
Katz delivered his message directly to troops during a visit to the occupied territory. i24news reported he said: "When you wake up in the morning in the palace in Damascus and look up at Mount Hermon and see the IDF, you know that we are here to protect our communities and our border." The statement signals no plans to ease the military footprint despite international pressure and Syrian complaints about sovereignty violations.
Diplomatic Talks Stall Over Withdrawal Demands
High-level diplomacy is underway to resolve the standoff. The Mossad chief recently met Syria's Foreign Minister in Amman to discuss security arrangements. Voice of Emirates reported that Israel seeks binding security guarantees before any withdrawal, while Damascus demands full respect for sovereignty and complete Israeli troop removal to pre-2024 positions.
Strategic Position Overlooks Key Hezbollah Territory
Mount Hermon's military value explains Israeli reluctance to leave. The position sits 35 kilometers north of Damascus and provides clear sightlines to the Bekaa Valley, a major Hezbollah stronghold. Middle East Monitor noted Katz emphasized this vantage point as essential for tracking threats to Israel's northern border and communities.
Markets Price Withdrawal as Unlikely This Year
Financial analysts are betting against any quick Israeli pullback. Market observers assessed the probability of withdrawal from beyond the Litani River by December 31 at approximately 11%. This reflects deep market skepticism that de-escalation talks will succeed before year-end, despite ongoing US and Jordanian mediation efforts.
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