In a significant operational milestone, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have completed preparations to reopen the Mount Hermon site, a key tourist attraction and strategic location in Israel’s northern sector. The effort, led by the IDF’s HaHarei (Mountain) Brigade 810 under the command of the 210th Division, underscores the delicate balance between maintaining security along the volatile northern border and ensuring the safety of Israeli civilians.
Securing the Northern Front
The HaHarei Brigade, responsible for defending both Mount Hermon and the Har Dov region, has been engaged in continuous security operations to protect Israel’s northern border. This effort has taken on greater significance in light of increased threats from Hezbollah and other Iran-backed terrorist groups operating in Lebanon and Syria.
Since the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, 2023, Israel has faced a seven-front war, with Iranian-backed terrorists launching attacks from multiple directions, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Hezbollah, in particular, has escalated its aggression since October 8, 2023, targeting Israeli civilians and military installations with rocket fire, drones, and cross-border attacks. Given this reality, the IDF’s ongoing presence in the Hermon region is crucial to safeguarding both military personnel and civilian visitors.
“Over the past few months, our forces have conducted regular security assessments and coordination with both security and civilian agencies,” said Lieutenant Colonel G., Deputy Commander of the HaHarei Brigade. “Our priority is maintaining a high level of readiness while ensuring that visitors from across Israel can safely enjoy the Hermon site.”
A Delicate Balance Between Security and Civilian Life
The Mount Hermon site is not only a premier winter destination for skiing and hiking but also a strategic military outpost that offers Israel a vantage point over Syria and Lebanon. The decision to reopen the site reflects Israel’s resilience in the face of ongoing regional threats.
As part of the security preparations, IDF forces have worked closely with the Israel Police, Magen David Adom (MDA), and other emergency response teams. The operation includes heightened surveillance, additional patrols, and fortified defense positions to deter potential threats from Hezbollah or other hostile entities.
“We are conducting readiness exercises to simulate potential scenarios,” added Lt. Col. G. “Our collaboration with all security forces ensures that we can rapidly respond to any developments while providing a secure environment for visitors.”
Ongoing Challenges from Iran and Its Proxies
The broader security situation remains tense. Iran, through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has continued to fund and arm Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxies in an effort to destabilize Israel and the broader Middle East. Iran’s recent direct missile attacks on Israel, coupled with its financial and logistical support for terrorist groups, have reinforced the IDF’s need to maintain a constant state of alert.
Despite the heightened security environment, Israel’s determination to maintain normalcy remains unwavering. The reopening of Mount Hermon symbolizes the country’s resilience and refusal to be intimidated by terror threats.
“Our forces are deployed across the region to protect the citizens of Israel,” the HaHarei Brigade stated. “Even as we face security challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission: defending our people and ensuring that life continues.”
As visitors prepare to ascend the slopes of Mount Hermon, they do so under the watchful eye of the IDF—an enduring testament to Israel’s strength and vigilance in the face of ongoing threats.
