Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited IDF troops in Syria on Wednesday and told them their presence in the area is “of immense importance.”

“We attach immense importance to our capability here, both defensive and offensive,” Netanyahu told the soldiers, adding that key priorities were “safeguarding our Druze allies, and especially safeguarding the State of Israel and its northern border opposite the Golan Heights.”

“This is a mission that can develop at any moment, but we are counting on you,” he said.