Israel News
Netanyahu Tours Buffer Zone in Syria After Court Postpones Testimony
Visit revealed after judges approved delaying PM’s court appearance earlier in the week due to a “security matter”
Netanyahu and Katz at the Syrian border (Photo: Kobi Gideon, GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the buffer zone in Syria this afternoon, and shortly after it was revealed that his canceled court testimony earlier in the week was linked to the trip. Netanyahu had been scheduled to testify on Wednesday, but on Monday he submitted a sealed envelope to the judges requesting a postponement, citing a “security matter.” The court reviewed the material and approved the request.
The visit took place in and around the Druze village of Hader, east of Majdal Shams, inside the area Israel has controlled since December 2024 following Operation Arrow of the Bashan. The stop marked Netanyahu’s first visit to the zone since Israel expanded its hold there last winter.
A full senior delegation joined the prime minister. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini, acting National Security Council chief Gil Reich, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yehiel Leiter, Northern Command head Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, COGAT chief Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, and 210th Division Commander Brig. Gen. Yair Palai.
At the start of the tour, Netanyahu arrived at an IDF position in the buffer zone, conducted an observation of the Syrian sector, and held a security briefing with commanders in the field. Officials said the discussions focused on the evolving situation across the Syrian frontier and recent operational preparations in the north.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated:
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the buffer zone in Syria today. At the start of the visit, the prime minister arrived at an IDF position, where he conducted an observation of the sector and later held a security briefing. In addition, the prime minister met with soldiers serving on active duty and in the reserves, praised their work during the war and in maintaining security in the area, and answered their questions.”
Netanyahu also spoke with soldiers stationed in the region, discussing their operations and challenges along the northern frontier.
