Netanyahu: IDF to remain on Mt. Hermon until 'another arrangement' found

Israel would remain in the Hermon until "another arrangement is found that ensures Israel's security," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a situational assessment conducted at the Hermon Ridge with several senior defense officials.

According to Channel 12, Netanyahu told the IDF to be ready to be deployed in the area until the end of 2025 during the assessment.

The visit included Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Chief Ori Gordin, and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) head Ronen Bar. 

Netanyahu reviewed the IDF's deployment in the area and established guidelines for the future, the Prime Minister's Office noted.

Netanyahu said that Israel would continue to remain at the Hermon.

"We are here for a situational assessment to decide on Israel's deployment in this important location until another arrangement is found that ensures the security of the state," Netanyahu said.

Sa'ar addresses Israel's actions in Hermon

Earlier in December, Israel took over the Syrian side of the mount to enlarge the demilitarized buffer zone situated along the Syrian border.

Following the move, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar noted that Israeli presence on the mount was a "limited, temporary" action aimed at assuring the Jewish State's security in the aftermath of the toppling of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's regime. 

Yonah Jeremy Bob and Reuters contributed to this report.