'Mount Hermon Under Israeli Control After 51 Years' IDF To Remain In Syrian Buffer Zone For Winter

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered troops to prepare for an extended stay in the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights, citing strategic importance. Katz emphasised maintaining IDF readiness on Mount Hermon throughout winter despite harsh conditions. The directive followed a security review with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and senior officers. The buffer zone separates Israeli and Syrian forces with Mount Hermon hosting a UN observation post. Meanwhile, Bahrain expressed readiness to cooperate with Syria's new authorities following the Assad regime's collapse. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Iraq for talks on Syria's transition, stressing minority protection and counter-terrorism. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced concerns over the Syrian crisis urging inclusive governance to prevent extremist exploitation.

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