Yisrael Katz, Israel’s Defense Minister, announced that the IDF will maintain control over Mount Hermon and a security zone to protect Golan Heights and Galilee communities, citing lessons from October 7 and potential northern threats. 

This comes amid diplomatic talks with Syria and reports of a possible ceasefire. 

Katz emphasized preventing the Israel-Syria border from becoming a threat and pledged to protect Syria’s Druze population from local forces, underscoring Israel’s moral responsibility.