The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday captured the Syrian side of the strategic Mount Hermon, along with a buffer zone that has existed between the countries since the 1970s; the military stressed that the move was temporary but also acknowledged that troops would likely remain inside Syrian territory for the foreseeable future.

Israel is preparing for potential chaos following the lightning-fast fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which could lead to power vacuums, increased militant activity, and potential threats to Israel's security.

The 235-square-kilometer demilitarized buffer zone was established in the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria, which concluded the Yom Kippur War. UN peacekeepers have manned it for decades. This agreement was a crucial step towards maintaining peace and stability in the region. However, Israel said Sunday that with the fall of the Assad regime, it considered the agreement void until order is restored in Syria.

This is a SMART move which God willing should bring blessing to all of Israel: "Like the dew of Hermon that falls upon the mountains of Zion. There the LORD ordained blessing, everlasting life." Psalms 133:3