Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz visited Israeli occupation forces (IOF) outposts on Mount Hermon in Syria on Tuesday, emphasizing the strategic importance of the area in countering threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon and factions in Syria.

He was accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, IOF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and Northern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin.

The visit marked the first by senior officials since "Israel" occupied Mount Hermon. During a situational assessment with top military and intelligence officers, Katz stressed the need to strengthen the Israeli occupation forces' presence at the site.

"The peak of Mount Hermon serves as Israel’s eyes for identifying both near and distant threats. From here, we observe Hezbollah on the right in Lebanon, Damascus on the left—and ahead, we see the State of Israel," Katz said. "The IDF is here to protect the Golan Heights communities and Israeli citizens from any threat, from the most strategic position possible."

'Israel' solidifying occupation of Syria

Katz outlined his directives to solidify the Israeli occupation forces' hold on Mount Hermon, including constructing fortifications, enhancing defensive measures, and improving conditions for soldiers stationed there. He underscored the importance of readiness for an extended deployment if necessary.

"We will remain here for as long as necessary. Our presence at the peak of Mount Hermon strengthens security while adding a dimension of observation and deterrence—targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and deterring the rebels in Damascus, who claim a moderate front but belong to the most extreme Islamist factions," Katz stated.

The Security Minister also highlighted the enduring significance of holding high ground, even in an era of advanced long-range weaponry. "Altitude and maintaining a vantage point remain critical. We will not allow a return to a situation of threats resembling those of October 7th along Israel’s borders," he said.

Plans to expand settlement

The Israeli government announced Sunday its decision to advance settlement expansion in the occupied Syria Golan Heights, citing "the war and the new front facing Syria," as well as a goal to double the Israeli population in the region as a reason.

"Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel, and it is especially important at this time. We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it," Netanyahu stated.

He claimed that "Israel" is "not interested in entering into a confrontation with Syria" and will determine its policy toward Damascus "taking into account the situation on the ground."

"I remind you that Syria has been an active enemy of Israel for decades," Netanyahu said in a statement published by his office.

He indicated that under former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Syria allowed other forces to attack "Israel" from its territory and allowed Iran to supply weapons to Hezbollah. 

Golan 'Israeli'

"To guarantee that what happened before will never recur, we have taken intensive action over the past few days," Netanyahu said, adding that "in a few days, we have destroyed the capabilities that the Assad regime was building for decades."

Last week, Netanyahu claimed that the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is Israeli "for eternity".

Speaking in occupied al-Quds, he underscored that Israeli occupation forces' control of the high ground "ensures our security and sovereignty."

"Israel's" actions are considered "a violation" of the 1974 "disengagement agreement" between "Israel" and Syria according to both the United Nations and all countries neighboring occupied Palestine.