Katz: we will not withdraw from Mount Hermon or Buffer zone in Syria

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed during a tour in Syria that Israel will not withdraw from Mount Hermon or the buffer zone, accusing Turkey of strengthening its presence in Syria and considering this a threat to Israel’s security.

Katz: we will not withdraw from Mount Hermon or Buffer zone in Syria
25 August, 2026   17:50

During a tour of areas inside Syria today, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that Israel will not withdraw from Mount Hermon or the buffer zone as long as threats against it persist.

Katz said that Israel is present in the area to protect its borders and communities, delivering a message to Syrian transitional government President Ahmed al-Sharaa regarding the continued Israeli deployment.

Katz accused Turkey of seeking to strengthen its presence in Syria, considering this a threat to Israel’s security interests. He stressed that Israel had taken action against these efforts and would continue to maintain its position.

ANHA