Visiting Syrian side of Mt. Hermon with Netanyahu, Katz says IDF will stay ‘as long as needed’

Prime Minister Benjamin and Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the peak of Mount Hermon earlier today, on the Syrian side of the border, after the site was captured by the Israel Defense Forces last week.

“The peak of Mount Hermon is the eyes of the State of Israel to detect near and far threats. The IDF is here to protect the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of the State of Israel from any threat, from the most important place to do so,” Katz says in remarks provided by his office.

Netanyahu and Katz were joined by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and IDF Northern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin at the military’s new posts atop the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, where they held an assessment.

“We will be here for as long as it is needed. Our presence here at the peak of the Hermon strengthens security and adds a dimension of both observation and deterrence to Hezbollah’s strongholds in the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon and deterrence against the rebels in Damascus, who pretend to present a moderate image but belong to the most extreme Islamic sects,” Katz adds.