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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reinforced their presence along the Golan Heights on Sunday, taking control of the Syrian side of the Mount Hermon mountain range.
This strategic move is part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to expand its demilitarized buffer zone along the Syrian border, enhancing defense capabilities in the region.
Mount Hermon has long been regarded as a critical military asset due to its high ground, providing a significant advantage by enabling Israel to monitor potential threats from Syria.
The IDF emphasized that its actions would not extend to intervening in Syria’s internal affairs unless Israeli security interests were directly threatened.
However, the military has made it clear that it will respond forcefully to any risks posed by advanced weapons falling into the hands of hostile actors in Syria.
Earlier this week, the IDF confirmed an airstrike on a chemical weapons factory in Syria. The strike, first reported by Arab media on Sunday, was aimed at preventing Syrian rebels from capturing the facility, which had been associated with the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad.
While the IDF has not officially acknowledged the full extent of its involvement in strikes against chemical weapons, it confirmed its ongoing efforts to neutralize any threats that could endanger Israel’s security.
In recent months, the IDF has significantly ramped up its airstrikes in Syria, following the dismantling of key Hezbollah leadership figures and targeting Iranian military interests in the country.
The strikes are part of Israel’s broader strategy to prevent the transfer of advanced weapons, particularly chemical weapons, to unpredictable factions like jihadist rebel groups operating in the region.
On Saturday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi visited the Syrian border, where he reassured the public that the IDF was prepared to respond to any potential escalation.
“We are monitoring to ensure that local elements aren’t moving in our direction,” he said, indicating that the military was ready for both offensive and defensive actions if necessary.
The IDF’s strategic position in the Golan Heights is increasingly vital as tensions along the Israeli-Syrian border remain high. Israel has long maintained a policy of avoiding direct conflict with Syria, preferring diplomatic solutions wherever possible.
However, the Syrian civil war has seen a complex and evolving threat landscape, with various militant groups vying for control and advanced weapons systems entering the fray.
The Syrian conflict’s impact on regional security continues to be felt, and Israel has consistently stated its commitment to preventing the proliferation of dangerous weapons in the hands of hostile forces.
While the situation remains fluid, the IDF’s latest actions are a clear signal of its determination to maintain control over critical strategic areas and protect its borders from external threats.
As Israel continues to reinforce its position on Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights, the country remains vigilant in the face of evolving challenges from across its borders.
The IDF’s operations in Syria and along the Golan Heights are likely to persist as long as the risks to Israeli security remain high.