Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered troops to prepare for a prolonged stay on Mount Hermon, a strategic location in Syria. The decision comes as part of the ongoing efforts to maintain security along the Syrian border. A group of Israeli soldiers moved into a buffer zone inside Syrian territory following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government.
The winter weather on Mount Hermon poses significant challenges, with temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F) and winds reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Katz has emphasized the importance of maintaining Israeli presence in the area due to security concerns. The order suggests that troops will remain until there is an effective force in place to enforce the Separation of Forces Agreement.
Israel has called this move a temporary measure, but it remains unclear when the situation will stabilize enough for the troops to withdraw. The US has offered its support for Israel’s self-defense efforts, while countries like France and the UAE have condemned the incursion as a breach of agreement.
The removal of Assad’s government has created new security concerns, particularly regarding rebel groups linked to Islamist organizations like Al Qaeda. While some see this move as necessary, others are worried about the potential consequences on regional stability.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/defence-minister-orders-israeli-troops-prepare-spend-winter-mount-hermon-2024-12-13