Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Head Uri Gordin, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, visited Mount Chermon today.
During his visit, Netanyahu conducted a situational assessment, reviewed the IDF’s readiness in the region, and set guidelines for future deployments. Minister Katz emphasized the urgency of swiftly completing the IDF’s entrenchment in the area, which includes building barricades and defense infrastructure, as well as regulating soldiers’ conditions to ensure they are fully prepared in case their presence in the region is extended.
Netanyahu reflected on the significance of the location. “I was here 53 years ago with my soldiers on a Sayeret Matkal patrol. The place hasn’t changed, it’s the same place, but its importance to Israel’s security has only been reinforced in recent years, and especially in recent weeks with the dramatic events taking place here below us in Syria. We will determine the best arrangement that will ensure our security.”
He further assured that the IDF would stay at the peak of Mount Chermon “until another arrangement is found that guarantees Israel’s security.”
Defense Minister Katz stated, “We will be here for as long as necessary. Our presence here at the peak of Mount Chermon strengthens Israel’s security and also adds a dimension of observation and deterrence against Hezbollah’s strongholds in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, while also serving as a deterrent against the rebels in Damascus, who claim to present a moderate stance, but are among the most extreme Islamic factions.”
He continued by emphasizing the strategic importance of height and visibility, saying, “Even in the era of long-range weapons, height and visibility have great significance. We will not allow repeated threats, such as those of October 7, on the borders of Israel.”
It is important to note that Netanyahu was scheduled to testify in court today; however, the testimony was postponed due to a security need raised to the judges the previous day.
The judges issued a statement reading, “After hearing the parties claims and in light of exceptional circumstances, we will not hold a hearing tomorrow, and the next hearing will be on Wednesday.”
The visit took place while Reuters reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu was on his way to Cairo for talks concerning a hostage agreement. The agency also indicated that a ceasefire deal, along with the release of hostages, is expected to be finalized in the coming days.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Omer Dostri, refuted the report about Netanyahu’s visit to Cairo, stating, “Contrary to the wave of rumors – Prime Minister Netanyahu is not in Cairo, and there is nothing new regarding Eli Cohen, of blessed memory.”
Earlier in the day, a Hamas official informed the Washington Post that the terrorist group had abandoned its demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a halt to the war.
According to the source, the ongoing negotiations are focused on a 60-day truce, with the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian terrorists.
{Matzav.com}