The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) took control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon and key positions in the Golan Heights on Sunday, following the collapse of the Assad regime earlier in the day. The operation, led by Israel’s elite Unit 5101 “Shaldag” Special Forces, marked Israel’s first overt deployment into Syrian territory since the 1973 October War.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as both defensive and temporary, citing the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement that established the demilitarized buffer zone between the two countries.
As the Assad Regime fell earlier today, the Israeli Air Force’s Unit 5101, also known as the “Shaldag” Special Forces Unit, crossed the Border capturing the Syrian Side of Mount Hermon as well as several other Key Locations in the Syrian Golan Heights. pic.twitter.com/9sbHa0NSIA
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) December 8, 2024
In a statement during a visit to the newly seized positions, Netanyahu declared: “This is a historic day for the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border.”
“This is a defensive position until a suitable arrangement is found. If we can establish neighborly relations with the new forces in Syria, that is our desire. But if not, we will do whatever is necessary to protect Israel’s security,” he added.
Following its Capture this morning by Israeli Special Forces, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Mount Hermon on the Syrian Side of the Golan Heights, with him stating, “This is a Historic Day for the Middle East. The Collapse of the Assad Regime, the Tyranny in… pic.twitter.com/z2ReFs65CL
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) December 8, 2024
The seizure of Mount Hermon and surrounding areas gives Israel control of the highest point in the Golan Heights, a location long considered vital for its defensive value. The range provides a clear vantage point over Syria and acts as a natural defensive line.
Israeli forces advanced several kilometers beyond the demilitarized buffer zone, taking positions abandoned by Syrian forces in the province of Quneitra, according to reports from Israeli media and independent war monitors.
The Israeli military has advised residents in five Syrian villages, including Quneitra and al-Qahtaniyah, to remain indoors until further notice, enforcing a temporary curfew in these areas.
The recent development follows the rebel takeover of Damascus and the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which has created a power vacuum in Syria. Rebel forces, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, declared victory in the Syrian capital early Sunday, prompting neighboring states, including Israel, to take precautionary measures against regional instability.
While Israel has remained officially neutral throughout the Syrian conflict, it has consistently targeted Iranian military assets and Hezbollah supply lines within Syria over the past decade.
Israeli media also reported that the air force carried out targeted strikes against Syrian military infrastructure, including weapons depots and air defense systems, to prevent advanced weaponry from falling into rebel or extremist hands. According to regional security sources, suspected Israeli airstrikes hit strategic sites such as the Khalkhala airbase and installations in Damascus’ Mazzeh neighborhood over the weekend.
