Following the fall of the Assad regime, Israeli forces took control of Mount Hermon, effectively shutting down multiple smuggling routes used by Hezbollah to funnel weapons, money, and people.
Why should Israel maintain its presence at the peak of Mount Hermon?
For years, Hezbollah exploited the harsh and unforgiving terrain of Mount Hermon for cross-border smuggling of weapons, narcotics, people, and other illicit cargo between Lebanon and Syria—and in the opposite direction as well.
Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, IDF forces took control of the Hermon peak, creating a new reality in a historically problematic area.
This move is justified, vital, and essential to Israel’s security. In a single step, the IDF expanded its strategic depth, thwarting current and future threats and attacks against Israeli territory.
Israel’s presence in this area significantly hampers Hezbollah’s operational recovery and rebuilding efforts, particularly toward southern Syria, affects other fronts as well, and helps address the uncertainty and instability prevailing in Syria. In any agreement, Israel must preserve its presence in this area.
Photo - IDF