Netanyahu’s Golan Heights Visit Fuels Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s surprise visit to the Syrian side of Mount Hermon within the Golan Heights demilitarized zone on December 17, 2024, has sparked international controversy. The visit, which included Defense Minister Israel Katz and top military officials, has raised concerns about a potential violation of existing territorial agreements and escalated tensions in the volatile region.
A brief statement from Netanyahu’s office confirmed the visit, stating that the Prime Minister “reviewed the preparations” for Israeli forces in the area and established “guidelines for the future.” No further details were provided.
In a video statement filmed atop Mount Hermon, Netanyahu declared that Israeli troops would remain in the area “until another solution is found that guarantees Israel’s security.”
Violation of 1974 Agreement?
The Israeli military deployment in the demilitarized zone, following the arrival of rebels in Damascus, is expected to continue at least through the winter months, according to defense Minister Katz. He described the summit of Mount Hermon as “eyes for Israel to identify threats near and far,” a statement reported by the Associated Press.
While Israeli authorities maintain the deployment is temporary, it has drawn criticism from several Arab nations and the UN. UN Secretary-General António Guterres reportedly views the action as a violation of the 1974 territorial agreement between Israel and Syria.
The timing of Netanyahu’s visit is also noteworthy. It followed a court decision to postpone the fourth session of his corruption trial, scheduled for the same day, due to “special circumstances.”
This unprecedented visit to Syrian territory since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime marks a meaningful escalation in the ongoing regional conflict and raises serious questions about the future stability of the Golan Heights and the broader Middle East.
The situation continues to unfold, and further developments will be reported as they emerge.
