Israel intends to remain on Al-Shekh Mount

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz confirmed on Tuesday that the Israeli army will remain on the summit of Al-Shekh Mount and the buffer zone "to protect the residents of the Golan Heights from potential threats from Syria," adding, "We will continue to protect the Druze in Syria."

This came a day after the Foreign Ministry of the Syrian government condemned the incursion of Israeli forces into the Beit Jann area in the Damascus countryside and the seizure of Tal Bat al-Warda on the slopes of Al-Shekh Mount. The ministry called on the United Nations to take urgent measures to deter "aggressive" practices. The ministry noted that "this dangerous escalation threatens regional peace and security, undermines stability efforts, and increases tension in the region."

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, one of the Druze sheikhs in Sweida, called yesterday for countries to support the establishment of a separate region for the community, noting that the recent events in Sweida were aimed at "exterminating the Druze community."

The Mount is a strategic area overlooking Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian territories.

Sh-S

ANHA