Israeli Defense Minister Confirms IDF Remains on Mount Hermon Amid Syria Talks

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has affirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their positions on Mount Hermon and in a security zone inside Syrian territory to protect communities in the Golan Heights and Galilee, citing lessons learned from the October 7, 2023 attack. Katz emphasized the ongoing commitment to protect the Druze population in Syria amid threats from regional forces. These statements follow advanced negotiations between Israel and Syria for a security agreement based on the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, which would include demilitarization of Syrian-controlled areas of the Golan Heights and restrictions on Syrian military presence. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed the talks but noted that while a peace treaty is not currently feasible, a security arrangement beneficial to Syria and the region is being pursued. Israeli officials suggest this deal could include Syria receiving reconstruction aid from the US and Gulf states and establishing humanitarian corridors to protect vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, tensions remain high, with Israel denying accusations of violating Syrian sovereignty despite expanding its control and security operations in the area.