As Israel and Syria talk peace, Mount Hermon becomes a line in the sand—the details
While Israel's National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi was discussing the Syrian file with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the United Arab Emirates, parallel negotiations were intensifying in Washington toward a security agreement that could serve as a preliminary step to a broader peace deal between the two countries.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army has established control over new positions atop Mount Hermon, using the strategic location to shape its future plans and impose new facts on the ground.
In addition to carving out a road for military activity in the area, the army revealed it has been conducting operations over the past eight months aimed at solidifying Israel's hold on the mountain—operations that, according to Israeli sources, reinforce the country's unwillingness to relinquish the territory in any future peace agreement.
A commander from Israel's Alpine Unit 711 confirmed that these activities go beyond fortification.
The military has conducted exercises simulating the infiltration of 3,000 fighters from Syria and Lebanon through Mount Hermon to carry out attacks on Israeli territory.
The inclusion of Lebanon in this scenario is not coincidental. Israeli officials continue to cite what they call 'the growing security threat' from the north, using it as leverage in ongoing negotiations.
Mount Hermon, known as Jabal al-Sheikh, remains one of the most strategically sensitive areas of the Golan Heights, lying at the intersection of the Israeli-Syrian-Lebanese borders.
It has emerged as a major sticking point in negotiations between Damascus and Tel Aviv. Israel seeks to retain the mountaintop as a strategic asset, while Syria refuses to concede it under any future security arrangement.
Negotiators from both countries are reportedly working on a deal that could involve a partial Israeli withdrawal from certain towns in southern Syria.
However, multiple Israeli security officials have confirmed that the Golan Heights—and specifically Mount Hermon—will not be part of the agreement, despite suggestions that progress on a limited deal may be imminent.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
6 hours ago
- LBCI
Israel says intercepted missile fired from Yemen
The Israeli military said it intercepted on Friday a missile launched from Yemen towards its territory, after reporting that sirens sounded in several areas. "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted" by the air force, the military said in a statement. AFP
LBCI
9 hours ago
- LBCI
At Paris summit, Israel secures 'strategic ground' in Syria — ‘core red lines met'
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Laetithia Harb Following a summit held in Paris, Israel secured key conditions regarding southern Syria during a meeting that included Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack. The agreement reaffirmed Israeli red lines in the region: maintaining a buffer zone, disarming towns in southern Syria, and preventing Syrian regime forces from entering these areas. The discussions specifically focused on Druze-majority towns, with the stated aim of protecting their security—particularly in Sweida. Israeli officials welcomed the outcome, describing it as meeting Tel Aviv's core demands and safeguarding its interests in Syria. As part of the deal, the dismantling of weapons in Quneitra and Daraa was agreed upon, alongside the formation of local security committees that would operate without heavy arms. The agreement concerning Sweida is considered the most significant. It will unfold in two phases under direct U.S. supervision. The first phase involves the withdrawal of tribal forces and Syrian government troops from Druze villages, a process to be verified by Druze factions. In the second phase, local councils composed of Sweida residents will be established to manage the region's resources and services, as well as monitor the agreement's implementation and document any violations. The deal also bars any organizations affiliated with the Syrian government from entering the area, while granting access to international agencies. While Israeli officials described the agreement as a major achievement, some within the Druze community in Israel criticized it as deepening Israeli involvement in Druze affairs. The Israeli-Syrian border was also included in the agreement. Joint Israeli and Syrian security and technical teams will be tasked with maintaining order along the frontier. Additional meetings may be held if the agreement is successfully implemented and calm returns to the Syrian front, where Israeli influence continues to expand.
LBCI
9 hours ago
- LBCI
Trump says Hamas doesn't want a deal, 'want to die'
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that Hamas did not want a ceasefire deal in Gaza, after Israel and the United States quit indirect negotiations with the Palestinian militant group. "It was too bad. Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die," Trump said. "Now we're down to the final hostages, and they know what happens after you get the final hostages. And basically because of that, they really didn't want to make a deal."
