(MENAFN) Just one day before the leader’s scheduled testimony, in the midst of Amnesty International’s statement on the Gaza genocide and speculations about an imminent exchange deal, a new dilemma arose. This turn of events seemed perfectly timed to create a challenge for Smotrich and his supporters, who now faced an increasingly uncertain political situation. For Prime Minister Netanyahu, it presented yet another opportunity to delay his testimony and claim, "I ordered it" – a bold political maneuver amid a series of unfolding geopolitical events. Israel’s quick military actions, particularly its rapid occupation of the Syrian-controlled Mount Hermon, symbolized an instinctive response to seizing power in an empty or abandoned area. Once under Israeli control, the mountaintop ceased to be Syrian, with Israel solidifying its grip and transforming it into part of its strategic and territorial ambitions. Soon, military infrastructure, such as security walls and settlements, would expand to create a more permanent presence. The question of how this move would fit into Israel's broader territorial claims was also raised.

Amidst these developments, Israel’s deeper territorial aspirations surfaced, including the historical and religious significance attached to Mount Hermon. The area, once part of Syria, would become a site of Jewish religious oversight, complete with rituals, customs, and governance structures to establish its sanctity in the context of the divine promise of the land. This newly established territory would further solidify Israel’s claim over regions once disputed or outside its control. The political and strategic move toward Mount Hermon now raised larger questions about territorial expansion, with maps of potential borders circulating online. These maps, reflecting historical Jewish claims, suggested an ambitious vision extending far beyond Mount Hermon, encompassing vast territories in the Middle East, including parts of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

In the meantime, Israel’s military continued its operations in newly "liberated" areas, with orders being sent to villages under its control, accompanied by an increasing presence of archaeological teams tasked with asserting Israel’s hold over these lands. Meanwhile, ministries were preparing budgets to commemorate the new territories, with the Ministry of Education taking interest in how to incorporate the region’s history into national narratives. In this context, the figure of "Stroke" – a symbolic character of political success – found herself triumphant once again, though perhaps lacking the tools (the proverbial hat and broom) to fully realize the new phase of territorial and political control.

MENAFN11122024000045015687ID1108980825