IDF occupies Mount Hermon, part of Syria to ensure Israel's security

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a briefing on Mount Hermon's summit on Syrian territory, a strategic location overlooking Damascus, a statement from the prime minister's office said on Tuesday (Dec 17). In a statement, Netanyahu said: "We will stay in this important place until another arrangement is found that ensures Israel's security." Israel pledged on Sunday (Dec 15) to double its population on the occupied Golan Heights while saying threats from Syria remained despite the moderate tone of rebel leaders who ousted President Bashar al-Assad a week ago.