Since Decemeber 10, Israeli forces moved to seize a roughly 400-square-kilometer (155-square-mile) demilitarised buffer zone in Syrian territory. Netanyahu was in the occupied Golan in Syria on December 17 afternoon holding a situation assessment in a summit with :

• Minister of Defense: Israel Katz
• Chief of Staff: Herzi Halevi
• Northern Command Major General: Ori Gordin
• Head of the Shin Bet: Ronen Bar.

Also participating in the visit were the Prime Minister's Chief-of-Staff, Tzachi Braverman, his Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs and the Prime Minister's Spokesman, Dr. Omer Dostri.

During his visit to Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, Netanyahu stated that he had instructed the Israeli army to seize the buffer zone and the adjacent control positions.

A strategic momentum for Netanyahu

This visit occurs in the context of rumors from Israeli journalist about Netanyahu being in Cairo to sign a cesefire with Hamas. There were no other reports from other media outlets that support this questionable information.

There has been a lot of information about Netanyahu since the morning after he was seen boarding a helicopter to an unknown destination. Some said that he went to retrieve the remains of an Israeli spy from Syria, but this was denied. Then it was said that he supervised a plan to bomb Yemen, and now there is talk of him leaving for Egypt to sign a deal.

All these speculations are related to Netanyahu canceling his testimony in court today, claiming a specific reason.

After hours of rumors, Netanyahu was filmed arriving at Mount Hermon, in Syria. It was confirm too by photo, as soldiers from Mount Hermon posted pictures of his arrival on Instagram.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Chief Major General Ori Gordin, and other soldiers at the summit of Mount Hermon, on the Syrian side, December 17, 2024. (Credit: Israeli Ministry of Defense)

Speeches and statements :

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz: "We will be here for whatever length of time is required. Our presence adds a dimension of observation and deterrence of Hezbollah and deterrence against rebels in Damascus, who claim to present a moderate face but are among the most extreme Islamist movements." (...) "The summit of Mount Hermon is the eye of the State of Israel, the eye that allows it to detect both near and distant threats. The IDF is here to protect the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of the State of Israel from all threats, at a key location to do so"

Benjamin Netanyahu : "I am here on the summit of Mt. Hermon with the Defense Minister, the IDF Chief-of-Staff, the Head of Northern Command, the Director of the ISA and senior commanders. We are holding this assessment in order to decide on the deployment of the IDF in this important place until another arrangement is found that ensures Israel's security. This is nostalgic for me. I was here 53 years ago with my soldiers in the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit. The place has not changed. It is the same place but its importance for the security of Israel has only been underscored in recent years, and especially in recent weeks with the dramatic events that have occurred below us in Syria. We will determine the best arrangement that will ensure our security."

Historic of Golan occupation

Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967. After Syrian President Assad was overthrown on December 7, Netanyahu declared the 1974 buffer zone agreement void. Israeli forces then seized Syrian army positions on Mount Hermon, previously evacuated in 1974.

The Golan Heights, officially part of Syria since 1944, remains internationally recognized as Syrian territory despite Israel's claims. In 2019, the U.S., under Trump, recognized it as Israeli—a stance Biden has not reversed. The 1974 Disengagement Agreement required Israel's withdrawal from Mount Hermon and 25 square kilometers near Quneitra.

The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established in 1974 to monitor the Mount Hermon region, a key strategic location near Lebanon's border. As Syria's highest mountainit offer to Israel a strategic peak near Lebanon. It allows Israel to observe Syria, Hezbollah areas, and the Beqaa Valley, target Damascus, and detect drones, while serving as a base for special forces missions.

The Israeli army has warned Golan rebels to avoid the buffer zone, raising its alert level. Netanyahu, recalling his 1970s command in the area, emphasized vigilance. Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of HTS, hails from the Golan, but his stance on restoring Syrian sovereignty remains unclear.

Geolocation : Netanyahu cross Alpha Line. But The pictures were taken behind Alpha Line at an Israel Base Post in Mount Hermon

📍33°18'55.8"N 35°48'33.7"E

source : 2 3 4

On January 28, 2025,

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the summit of Mount Hermon in Syria and emphasized that the Israeli army would remain there indefinitely to ensure security. Earlier in the morning, the Israeli army released footage of the construction of a large military base atop the mountain. The strategic importance of Mount Hermon lies in its ability to provide forces stationed there with control over vast open areas, routes, pathways, and key points.