Ruins of a synagogues from the Roman period on Mount Hermon, 1870.
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States

seen from Russia
seen from Malaysia
seen from China

seen from United States
seen from Russia

seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from United States

seen from Malaysia

seen from United States
seen from Netherlands
seen from United States
seen from United States
Ruins of a synagogues from the Roman period on Mount Hermon, 1870.
IDF soldiers lit the 7th candle for Channukah on Mount Hermon.
(The Cradle)
❗️Israel presses to keep Syrian Mount Hermon peaks, Damascus rejects
Israeli political sources revealed that Tel Aviv has told Damascus during ongoing talks that it intends to maintain its occupation of Syrian positions on Mount Hermon near the Lebanese border, calling them an “indispensable strategic asset.” Syria rejected the demand, denouncing Israel’s presence as “occupation that must end.”
Israeli officials described the seized ridges as a “strategic treasure,” allowing surveillance of Hezbollah supply routes into Lebanon, Syrian military sites, and movements they claim could resemble Hamas’s 7 October offensive.
According to Channel 12 and Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli army has set up eight outposts inside Syrian territory since early this year and conducted deep raids, including “Operation Green-White,” which penetrated 38 kilometers near Damascus, seizing 3.5 tons of arms and explosives. Officers said locals in Druze villages welcomed troops and exchanged intelligence for aid, reinforcing Israel’s claim of “protecting Druze communities.”
Planning for more raids is underway, with objectives beyond weapons seizures to disrupting Hezbollah’s supply chain across the Damascus-Beirut highway and Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.
(Asharq Al-Aqsat)
Thought that Israel is a land of desert and camels? Think again! Mount Hermon, Israel's highest point, defies this stereotype with its stunning snowy landscapes and ski opportunities.
Located in the Golan Heights, near the borders of Syria and Lebanon, Mount Hermon is a unique winter wonderland in the Middle Eastern context.
Mount Hermon stands as a testament to Israel's diverse geography. It's a place where snowy slopes coexist with desert sands, offering a unique winter experience and serving as a reminder of the natural beauty and resilience of the land.
Standing at approximately 2,814 meters (9,232 feet), the summit of Mount Hermon straddles the borders of Syria and Lebanon, with its southern slopes in Israeli territory.
This area transforms into a bustling ski resort during the winter months, from December to April.
The mountain's snowfall, a celebrated event in Israel, provides the perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities (when we get enough snow that holds...).
Beyond recreation, Mount Hermon is ecologically significant. The melting snow feeds into the Jordan River, contributing to the region's water supply. This aspect underscores the mountain's role as an essential natural resource.
For Israelis, Mount Hermon is more than just a peak; it's a symbol of natural beauty and diversity. It offers a rare experience of snow and winter sports in a country largely characterized by warmer climates. Visiting Mount Hermon has become a beloved winter tradition for many, providing a glimpse into the varied landscapes that Israel offers.
Har Dov (lit. Mount Dov) is the westernmost slope of the Mount Hermon. Standing over 1,500 meters above sea level, the mountain range is named after Dov “Dubi” Rodberg, a Golani officer who was killed on the mountain trying to evacuate a wounded soldier.
After Israel bested Syria in the 1967 Six Day War and gained control over the area, the IDF established an array of army bases on Har Dov, whose commanding position and height grants the IDF a strategic lookout over Southern Lebanon.
Har Dov also has religious significance. Mount BiTarim, the mountain on which the Biblical Covenant of the Pieces (Brit Bein HaBitarim) between Abraham and God is said to have taken place, is one of the mountain peaks of Har Dov.
The Sheeba Farms, a small geographical area claimed by both Lebanon and Syria – and won by Israel in 1967 – is situated in what Israel refers to as Har Dov. Today, Lebanon often uses the Sheeba Farms as a casus belli to continue its war against Israel.
Im Tirtzu
A general view of Mount Hermon and villages of the Upper Galilee region, as seen from Mount Meron in northern Israel.
An outtake from my latest publication for National Geographic Traveller UK
Mount Hermon, Golan Heights 1/9/18
Lindsay Grandison MacArthur (c.1866 - 1945) - Sea of Galilee and Mount Hermon. Oil on canvas.