Israel affirms holding Mount Hermon, rejects Russian presence in southern Syria

The Israeli official stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Mount Hermon area in Syria, stressing that Tel Aviv’s position on the matter is “clear and non-negotiable.”

The Israeli newspaper Maariv quoted the official as saying that Israel has rejected Russian initiatives aimed at deploying military forces and observation posts in southern Syria, viewing these steps as contrary to what he described as “Israeli security interests.”

He added that Israel is following “with great concern” the ongoing contacts between the Syrian government and both Russia and Turkey, especially those related to potential arms deals, warning that Syria’s possession of what he called “strategic weapons” could alter the balance of power in the region.

He noted that Israel will not agree, in his words, to any military developments that could affect Israel’s military superiority or threaten its national security.

These remarks come as southern Syria, particularly the countryside of Daraa and Quneitra, is witnessing rising tensions, with continued incursions and violations against civilians. Artillery shells fired from an Israeli position have also landed in the Yarmouk Basin area, amid growing regional competition over military and security influence in the region.

A-H 

ANHA