IDF Expands Security Measures Along Israel-Syria Border

On Sunday, the IDF took significant steps to bolster Israel's defense by taking control of the Syrian side of the Mount Hermon mountain range. This move is aimed at expanding a demilitarized buffer zone along Israel’s border with Syria and securing other key points essential for defense.

The Mount Hermon range offers Israel a strategic advantage due to its high ground, enabling the military to monitor and anticipate potential threats from forces further inside Syria. The IDF emphasized that while it would not intervene in Syria's internal matters, it would respond swiftly to any actions in Syria that might endanger Israel’s security.

In addition to the buffer zone expansion, earlier on Sunday, the IDF conducted an airstrike on a chemical weapons facility linked to former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime, preventing rebels from seizing it. This strike highlights Israel’s long-standing policy of preventing the acquisition of dangerous weapons by unpredictable actors, such as jihadist rebel groups.

Further reinforcing its defensive posture, the IDF has bolstered its presence in the Golan Heights, with Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi stressing the importance of being prepared for any potential threats. The IDF continues to monitor developments closely, ensuring readiness for any scenario that could arise along the Israel-Syria border.

In related developments, a drone that likely infiltrated Israeli airspace from Yemen crashed in the city of Yavne, in central Israel. The IDF confirmed that the incident was under investigation, noting that no sirens were triggered during the event. Although an explosion was heard in a residential building, emergency services reported no injuries after a thorough search of the area.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Katz, visited Israel's border with Syria following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This visit highlighted the government's ongoing focus on ensuring security along its northern borders, with increased efforts to prevent any threats from materializing in the aftermath of Syria's political turmoil.