In the immediate aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s downfall, Israel launched a swift campaign targeting Syrian military assets. Over the course of several days, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck nearly 500 strategic sites, dismantling Syria’s navy and reportedly eliminating 90% of its known surface-to-air missile systems.
Among these actions, Israel’s capture of Mount Hermon’s summit, Syria’s highest peak, stands out as a move with potentially lasting implications. Despite Israeli officials framing the occupation as temporary, the strategic significance of the mountain is undeniable.
“This is the highest vantage point in the region, overlooking Lebanon, Syria, and Israel,” explained Efraim Inbar, director of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS). “Its strategic importance cannot be overstated. In military terms, there is no substitute for controlling high ground.”
The Strategic Importance of Mount Hermon
The summit of Mount Hermon, previously part of a demilitarized buffer zone monitored by United Nations peacekeepers for over 50 years, now falls under Israeli control. Positioned at 9,232 feet (2,814 meters), the peak offers unparalleled surveillance capabilities across the region.
Until Israel’s recent actions, the summit remained within Syrian territory, while the lower slopes had been controlled by Israel since the 1967 war. Israel annexed the Golan Heights, the strategic plateau adjoining Mount Hermon, in 1981—an act unrecognized by international law but supported by the U.S. during the Trump administration.
The mountain’s significance lies not only in its elevation but also in its proximity to key locations. The peak is just over 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) from Damascus, placing the Syrian capital within range of Israeli artillery. This geographical advantage strengthens Israel’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
A New Deployment Amid Harsh Conditions
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, has emphasized the importance of maintaining control over Mount Hermon. In preparation for a prolonged presence, the military has been instructed to adapt to the harsh winter conditions at high altitudes.
“This position is critical for our security in light of developments in Syria,” Katz stated.
Reports from Syrian activist groups suggest that Israeli forces have advanced beyond the summit to areas as far as Beqaasem, located approximately 25 kilometers from Damascus. While Israeli officials have denied any movement toward the Syrian capital, the strategic foothold on Mount Hermon ensures Israel maintains an upper hand in the region.
A Strategic and Technological Asset
Military analysts highlight the advantages Mount Hermon offers in modern warfare. “People argue that in the missile age, land is less important. That’s simply incorrect,” noted Inbar.
In a 2011 academic paper, Inbar elaborated on the benefits of controlling Mount Hermon, emphasizing its value for electronic surveillance. “The mountain allows for deep monitoring into Syrian territory, providing early-warning systems against potential attacks,” he wrote. Unlike aerial alternatives such as drones, a mountaintop installation can support heavy equipment like large antennas and is not vulnerable to anti-aircraft missiles.
A Preemptive Security Measure
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel has no intention of interfering in Syria’s internal politics. However, the actions taken—both the extensive bombing campaign and the capture of the Mount Hermon summit—indicate a cautious approach to securing Israel’s borders.
“We will do whatever is necessary to ensure our security,” Netanyahu said, while extending a tentative hand to Syria’s new government.
Reflecting on the broader implications, retired Brigadier General Israel Ziv emphasized the importance of denying military assets to adversaries. “We’ve seen what happens when terror organizations seize advanced equipment. This operation provides us with peace of mind.”
A Political and Military Decision
Whether Israel will eventually withdraw from Mount Hermon remains uncertain. According to Inbar, the decision rests with political leaders, although the military’s preference is clear.
“The military would like to stay,” Inbar concluded. For now, Israel’s hold on the region’s highest peak marks a significant reshaping of the strategic landscape in the post-Assad era.