Netanyahu's Historic Visit to Strategic Mount Hermon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Mount Hermon, a strategic location in the Syrian buffer zone, alongside key defense officials, marking a significant move as he becomes the first sitting Israeli leader to enter Syrian territory. Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces would remain on Mount Hermon until a new security arrangement is reached, following the ouster of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been instructed to fortify their presence amid accusations of violating a 1974 ceasefire agreement by establishing a buffer zone. The visit underscores the mountain's strategic importance, as it provides a vantage point over Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. The IDF's presence aims to prevent arms transfers to Hezbollah, although Syrian rebel leaders insist on Israel's withdrawal in adherence to the 1974 agreement. Despite international criticism, Israel justifies its actions as necessary for national security.