The ‘Eyes of the State of Israel’: IDF Ready For Prolonged Stay on Mount Hermon

Latest Developments

• Netanyahu Visits Strategic Heights: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz paid an unannounced visit on December 18 to the newly secured Mount Hermon, a pivotal point east of the Golan Heights. This area, formerly under Syrian control, was taken by the IDF as a precautionary measure following the overthrow of former dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime by rebel forces. Katz described the mountain — the highest peak in Syria, straddling the Syria-Lebanon border and offering critical oversight of Damascus and the surrounding region — as “the eyes of the State of Israel to detect near and far threats.”
• Open-Ended Stay: Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination to hold the area, declaring, “We will be in this important place until an alternative arrangement can be found that would safeguard Israeli national security.” Katz pointed out that the severe winter weather on the 9,186-foot peak meant that special preparations for a prolonged stay by IDF troops were a necessity.
• ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’: In a pointed critique, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel warned against legitimizing Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. Addressing foreign reporters, Haskel referred to al-Sharaa as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” cautioning against efforts to rebrand the leader of HTS (formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda). “We know who they are and their true nature, even if they change their names,” Haskel stated, underscoring Israel’s concerns about the group’s potential threat to regional and Western security.

FDD Expert Analysis

“Israel holds the high ground — both morally and literally — in the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s fall. The new Islamist rulers in Damascus offer little reassurance. Only a clear recognition of Israel by these factions should be considered acceptable. And surveillance from positions like Mount Hermon is essential to prevent Hezbollah from leveraging Assad’s remaining arsenal.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“The collapse of a central Syrian state has rendered claims over territories like the Hermon moot. Turkish and Qatari support for Sunni factions, Kurdish autonomy efforts, and the Druze community’s alignment with Israel have fractured any semblance of Syrian sovereignty. Israel’s stance on holding strategic positions on a temporary basis is justified, particularly given the ongoing threat posed by Hezbollah.” — David May, FDD Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Temporary Defensive Position: Israel Takes Control of Golan Buffer Zone,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel’s Bashan Arrow Operation in Syria Continues,” by David Daoud

“‘The Factions Will Be Dissolved’: Jolani Pushes to Disband Rebel Groups and Pro-Assad Forces in Syria,” FDD Flash Brief