Skip to main content

Israel prepares for winter deployment on Golan Heights buffer zone

1 min Mena Today

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to prepare for an extended stay throughout the winter in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria, located at the summit of the Golan Heights. Israel captured part of this strategically significant area during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

A ski resort on Mount Hermon (Israeli side) © Mena Today 

A ski resort on Mount Hermon (Israeli side) © Mena Today 

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to prepare for an extended stay throughout the winter in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria, located at the summit of the Golan Heights. Israel captured part of this strategically significant area during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

Katz emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong presence on Mount Hermon, citing the ongoing instability in Syria as a critical security concern.

"Given what is happening in Syria, it is of vital security importance to maintain our presence at the summit of Mount Hermon. Every effort must be made to ensure the readiness of the [army] on site," Katz stated in a communiqué.

The minister stressed the need for the military to prepare for harsh winter conditions, ensuring that troops are equipped to endure the challenges of remaining stationed at this high-altitude location.

The Golan Heights holds significant strategic value for Israel, offering a vantage point over both Israel and Syria. The region has been a focal point of security concerns, particularly in light of Syria’s ongoing civil war and the presence of various militant groups near the border.

Israel’s control of part of the Golan Heights has been internationally contentious, but the area remains a critical component of Israel’s security strategy in the region.

The decision to bolster the military’s presence on Mount Hermon underscores Israel's commitment to safeguarding its borders and responding proactively to potential threats. 

The army is expected to make logistical adjustments to ensure that troops can operate effectively in difficult weather conditions, including snow and freezing temperatures.

Related

Lebanon

Most Lebanese communities back peace with Israel

A new poll conducted between April 28 and May 5 reveals a striking picture of Lebanese public opinion on a potential peace agreement with Israel: across most of the country's major religious communities, support is either strong or majority, with one dramatic exception.

Gaza

Majority of the fleet was intercepted

The organisers of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza said on Tuesday Israeli forces had intercepted 41 of their boats in the eastern Mediterranean, with 10 vessels still sailing toward the enclave.

Gaza

Israeli forces intercept 39 Gaza aid boats, activists say

The organisers of a flotilla of aid vessels bound for Gaza said on Monday that Israeli forces had intercepted 39 of their boats in the eastern Mediterranean, while the remaining ships were continuing to sail toward the enclave.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.