"Can you see that glimmer?" Captain (Res.) Z gestured northward. Using the rifle's scope, I gazed toward his indicated direction and clearly observed the buildings, merely 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) from our position. "That's Damascus."
Video: Israel Hayom visits Mount Hermon's Syrian side / Text: Hanan Greenwood. Video: Yehonatan Shaul; Editing: Uri Stav
We stand at an abandoned Syrian military position, surrounded by equipment the former Syrian regime's soldiers left behind during their hasty retreat, positioned near the Commander vehicles of the Mounted Tactical Unit – the exclusive means of reaching this remote location. Standing at 9,232 feet (2,814 meters) above sea level represents the most distant point Israeli forces have ever achieved. This marks Israel's new frontier boundary. No obstacles prevented our continued advance. The distances tell the story – 81 miles (130 kilometers) to Beirut, 280 miles (450 kilometers) to Aleppo, 932 miles (1,500 kilometers) to Istanbul, and from there direct access to Europe. Southern Lebanon lies a short distance to our left; the Druze villages that recently suffered massacres spread to our right in the distance. We stand centrally positioned at this IDF-controlled outpost, maintaining the defensive perimeter.
Every Israeli schoolchild learns that Mount Hermon serves as "the nation's eyes." However, most Israelis fail to comprehend, even now, how dramatically small the area historically called "Israeli Hermon" appears compared to the massive Syrian-controlled ridge that dominated for decades. When fighters gazed toward Syrian Hermon from observation posts like Mitzpe Shelagim or Mount Hermon base, they witnessed an imposing wall of earth and stone. Yet even map consultation failed to reveal the truly strategic nature of what confronted them.
Standing at the precipice edge atop Hermon's summit, two phrases immediately surface – "strategic mountain ridge." Subsequent thoughts express burning questions about how we permitted ourselves to remain absent from this location since the Yom Kippur War. Something profound internally insists the IDF must never abandon this strategic position again. The security establishment clearly grasps this reality; despite theoretical or official temporary presence, consolidation efforts proceed at unprecedented speed.
"No vehicles have traversed this terrain"
We arrived at Camp Ar'ar one hour prior, home base of the Mountain Brigade. Established approximately one year ago, the unit specializes in mountain combat and extreme weather operations. Mount Hermon facility gates stood deserted during our passage, with thermometers registering 104°F (40°C). The expansive parking area, crowded during winter months, appeared abandoned, while large snow vehicles stood isolated beside the familiar snowman sculpture.
Command Sergeant Major (Res.) A. positioned himself beside the robust jeep, completely covered in protective gear. "Ready for departure?" he smiled through his face covering. We naively inquired about distance to our destination, assuming a ten-minute journey. "Prepare for one hour of dust," he responded with amusement. He was not kidding.
This wasn't my initial encounter with the IDF Mounted Tactical Unit. Last October, we documented the unit's operations when Commander Captain (Res.) Z guided me through high-speed maneuvers in Beit Lahia under anti-tank missile threats, mere hours following field combat. This specialized boutique unit emerged from wartime necessity, evolving from a niche Egyptian border solution into a genuine strategic asset across all IDF operational sectors.
Six months later, the unit ranks among the military's most coveted assignments, boasting operational records including special forces cooperation in Lebanon, wounded soldier evacuations and terrorist captures in Gaza, rocket and anti-tank missile detection in Syria, terrorist pursuits in Judea and Samaria, and trailblazing the ground route to Hermon's peak. Their vehicles literally access unreachable locations at speeds that leave observers in dust clouds, while dozens of fighters deployed nationwide – and beyond – enhance IDF superiority across multiple theaters. Operating under information security constraints, they revealed selected recent activities during our extended journey to Hermon's summit.
A. commands the unit's Hermon team. His war began entirely in Sinai when his father called from their Sderot home opposite the police station. "My father planned descending to the shelter with friends, but my dog refused to go down. He telephoned reporting people with strange headbands walking the streets and audible gunfire. I immediately recognized terrorists and forbade his descent. Had the dog cooperated before that phone call, my father wouldn't have survived."
Six hundred days later, A. – who works as a dock worker at Ashdod Port – continues reserve duty. Initially serving with Northern Brigade battalions in Gaza, he later discovered the MTU, completed training, and joined the unit. After spending eighteen months in the Strip, he received northern deployment. When asked why someone from Sderot living in Ashdod seeks Hermon service, he responds, "We are reserve soldiers and fighters who answer every national call. My beloved wife raises three sons at home, and we serve with tremendous pride and honor."
A. shared details of his participation in a complex Mount Dov operation that preserved lives. The mission involved extremely challenging terrain where D-9 bulldozers carved pathways followed immediately by MTU vehicles. "Our vehicles alone could descend into Lebanese Mount Dov sectors – terrain never before traversed by any vehicle. D-9 bulldozers led the route while we followed directly behind, navigating around craters and over boulder fields where wheel positioning awareness determines survival."
Something profound internally insists the IDF must never abandon this strategic position again. The security establishment clearly grasps this reality; despite theoretical or official temporary presence, consolidation efforts proceed at unprecedented speed.
Upon reaching their objective with the Mountain Brigade commander, they discovered the critical nature of their newly controlled position. "We located rockets, mortar rounds, and launchers targeting IDF positions we had recently departed. They intended harming our soldiers – the same personnel we had encountered minutes earlier. We discovered terror tunnels in areas accessible only to our units, eliminating the need for exhausting multi-hour treks across particularly demanding terrain."
Welcome to the Syrian side of the Hermon
Our vehicles accelerated forward, smoothing the winter-snow-covered asphalt route leading to established Mount Hermon outposts. Minutes later, asphalt yielded to dirt roads marked by brilliant red poles indicating cliff edges for vehicles navigating winter snow and dense fog conditions.
Yellow bulldozers displaying Druze and Israeli flags worked along the pathway, excavating mountainside sections and substantially improving road conditions as additional winter preparations. During late May's final week, despite Israel's heat, white snow remnants still marked the massive mountain. However, the IDF already races toward next winter's challenges, anticipated as far more demanding than anything experienced since 1967 in previously designated Israeli Hermon territory. "See those red barrels? That marks the border," A indicated without releasing the accelerator. "Welcome to Syrian Hermon."
MTU fighters spearheaded forces crossing into territory controlled by Syria for decades. MTU vehicles provided exclusive heavy snow passage capability. "These vehicles navigate snow conditions like sand dune travel," Captain (Res.) Z. explained. "We searched former Syrian regime outposts discovering extensive abandoned equipment, combat materials, and substantial explosive charges."
"Observe this mountainous region," A. points out. "You can access outposts within deep valleys and investigate ongoing activities. We recovered various intelligence materials from these positions. Syrian outpost lines represented the final barrier before Israel, yielding considerable intelligence revealing their knowledge about us."
Our journey proves lengthy and dust-filled across routes not yet accommodating all vehicle types. The lead Pajero driver suddenly halts, requesting power gear engagement. His vehicle struggles down a terrifying slope while our Commander vehicle proceeds smoothly, creating passenger compartment sensations resembling Ayalon highway travel.
Several kilometers ahead we reach our first destination – the outpost of Metzudat Ruach (Fortress of Wind). Approximately six months ago, the Israel Hayom team first visited this outpost, then representing the most distant civilian-accessible location. During peak winter conditions, fighters constructed this outpost manually atop Mount Hermon ridge peaks.
Multiple Hummers with fighters enter the outpost immediately behind us. This forward Mountain Brigade base enables IDF operations at winter peak altitudes of 9,186 feet (2,800 meters), enduring temperatures reaching -4°F (-20°C) amid snow conditions far exceeding upper cable car skiing experiences.
They forces returned from Druze villages situated at mountain base elevations, prompting our announcement of available blood units we have for them. Whether treating attacked Druze civilians, as previously occurred, or addressing IDF fighter injuries, blood unit availability provides immediate response capability, considering extended evacuation timeframes.
The outpost fighters execute multiple primary missions, including proactive offensive operations establishing ridge control while preventing enemy movement and weapons trafficking between Syria and Lebanon. Prior to the takeover of the Hermon summit, this area served smugglers of every variety, from mule-transported narcotics to Iranian precision rockets en route to Hezbollah on trucks.
An observation bench outside the outpost overlooks spectacular vistas. Quneitra appears distantly, considered relatively calm and secure, permitting regular journalist access. Two Syrian helmets rest on the bench, apparently discovered locally, while ground burn marks indicate barbecue activities. However, pastoral appearances deceive, as only operational activities occur during darkness hours in this threatened zone.
Makeshift burial ground
Our initial mission concluded, we advance northward deeper into the territory. A UN outpost appears to our right – among few surface-visible installations, since numerous Syrian outposts operate underground. Syrian winter survival methods remain unclear; fighter searches revealed extremely harsh living conditions, with non-survivors buried in nearby improvised cemeteries.
Within a small valley, we identify a particularly surprising remnant bearing tragic history – rotor remains from an Israeli Super Frelon helicopter that crashed in 1974 during wounded and deceased Israeli personnel recovery missions, remaining untouched for decades. Six fighters perished that horrific day.
Pathway construction continues here as well. Last winter, air force helicopters required parachuting supplies to alpine fighters maintaining area presence under severe conditions. The Mountain Brigade currently prepares for fighter area deployment through multiple means, including Fortress of Wind as a forward base and road route improvements. Israel Hayom learned that alpine units and brigade snow vehicle capabilities will expand significantly in coming months to address challenging sector weather conditions.
Our next objective is Outpost H-1, the most distant from Israeli territory. When journalists last reached this position, they traveled via helicopter and snow vehicles during the defense minister's visit. One hour's drive from the upper cable car along complex routes, positioned extremely close to Syria's capital, this represents our most challenging point.
Hezbollah even documented one brigade commander operation. "We rapidly reached the area executing specific missions. Following operations, we suddenly observed our own Telegram videos filmed by Hezbollah. They couldn't comprehend our vehicles – questioning who these personnel were racing through terrain at high speeds before disappearing."
This outpost utilizes Syrian construction of notably poor quality. Fighter entry revealed Russian combat equipment alongside Syrian materials. During winter months, alpine fighters operated from this position against hostile elements. Recent attempts by various elements to control outposts situated slightly north of H-1 within Syria continue, requiring constant IDF action for their removal. This strategic border location between Syria and Lebanon serves dual purposes as a critical smuggling corridor and enemy crossing point. Until eighteen months ago, this location played central roles in Iranian strategies creating fire rings around Israel.
Presidential palace halfway point
Our Commander vehicles advance beyond the 1974-established separation of forces line, normally blocked to standard vehicles. The jeeps easily navigate past roadblocks, reaching an abandoned Syrian position along deteriorating asphalt routes.
This well-mapped route buffers Syria and Lebanon. Damascus city lies approximately 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) directly from our position. Nineteen miles (30 kilometers) of mountainous challenging roadway separate us from Highway 1 leading to Syria's capital. Looking at the horizon gives you a sense as to why this location bears strategic significance and how it gives Israel direct Hermon access into Lebanon and Syria. One hour's travel from our final Israeli outpost will bring you to Qasr al-Shaab, the Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's residence – a shorter journey than returning to Mount Hermon facility parking.
Sergeant Major S. is from a specialized ATV unit fighter with merely two months' experience. As a veteran of the elite Egoz unit, he understands northern combat well, yet describes this activity as completely different. "Syria represents an entirely new world. Upon first entering Druze villages, I was amazed discovering their lifestyle remained 70 years behind current times. I never anticipated participating in such operations, collaborating with alpine fighters and additional special units."
A describes occasional high-risk operations, though their critical necessity remains clear. "Brigade Commander L. shared an unforgettable statement – 'I want to participate in all operations exclusively with your unit.' We collaborated with numerous special units throughout this region. We entered former regime outposts discovering notebooks and binders containing significant intelligence on Israel. You realize you have thwarted a plot that had been hatched here, something major, successfully saving young soldiers' lives. Who would have thought I'd participate in such activities? The sensation feels incredible."
Hezbollah even documented one brigade commander operation. "We rapidly reached the area executing specific missions. Following operations, we suddenly observed our own Telegram videos filmed by Hezbollah. They couldn't comprehend our vehicles – the terrorist group wondered who these personnel were and why they were racing through terrain at high speeds before disappearing."
One hour's travel from our final Israeli outpost will bring you to Qasr al-Shaab, the Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's residence – a shorter journey than returning to Mount Hermon facility parking.
"We're making history here," Captain (Res.) Z. stated. "Months ago, suggestions of positioning ourselves at Hermon's crown, 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) from Damascus as the crow flies, would have seemed dreamlike. This extremely strategic location benefits Israeli national security. Our vehicles served as full partners in Hermon capture, generating tremendous pride. These vehicles transported the brigade commander who raised Israel's flag atop Hermon's summit. Each entry here renews my excitement over this significant achievement."
Above the western Lebanese Chouf mountains, sunset commences, signaling our departure time. Just 31 miles (50 kilometers) beyond mountain ridges lies Sidon, deep within Lebanese territory, approached through Bekaa and Nabatieh districts where air force aircraft operate almost daily, conducting attacks and bombardments preventing Hezbollah's rehabilitation.
The ATVs thunder toward the upper cable car return journey as dust clouds swirl around us, momentarily concealing spectacular landscapes harboring some of Israel's most bitter enemies. "We now exercise much stronger territorial control, securing it so that we can prevent the next October 7," Z. concluded.
The Syrian capital recedes behind us along with persistent questions – will this border line protect Israel from terror and Iranian threats for coming decades, or do forgotten Damascus hummus dreams approach realization? Time provides answers. Setting sun illuminates golden colors across the massive Israeli flag illustration painted on the Syrian outpost – correction, the Israeli installation – as we continue southward. I glance backward momentarily, observing Israel's new frontier, two fingers from Damascus.
