Israel increases presence in southern Syria

Syrian sources have announced that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are now stationed in the Daraa province in southern Syria, just nine kilometres from the Israeli border. 

The IDF controls the Al-Wahda Dam and the Yarmuk River Valley to the west, along the border between Syria and Jordan, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

At the same time, no reports of new airstrikes by the IDF on Syrian targets were received on the night of December 18, although drones, likely Israeli ones, were spotted over Damascus. Israeli tanks have been spotted in Sayda village, located between Daraa and Quneitra provinces in southern Syria.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz visited the summit of Mount Hermon on the Syrian side of the border, following the capture of this outpost by the IDF last week. 

"Mount Hermon is the eyes of Israel, allowing us to detect both near and distant threats. The IDF is here to protect the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel from any threat, from the most strategic position," Katz said. 

Israel has seized control of Mount Hermon summit, marking a significant shift in its military operations in Syria. The peak, strategically located at the border between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon, has long been a demilitarized zone, monitored by UN peacekeepers. Israeli troops now occupy the highest point in the region, which has been described as a vital military asset due to its commanding view of surrounding areas.

By Naila Huseynova