During a recent visit to Hermon mountain, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, took in the scenic views of the entire Golan Heights. While there, they met soldiers from the Nahal Battalion and even enjoyed a brief coffee chat with them.
For Netanyahu, the location holds special significance. "This place brings back a rush of memories for me, particularly feelings of nostalgia. Many years ago, as a soldier and commander, I frequented this place for numerous operations, often in the snow," he remarked. "Now, being here under the sun, I can truly appreciate the progress we've made in the Golan Heights. Seeing our soldiers here, enjoying a cup of coffee they generously offered, I am reminded that we stand on land that will always be under Israeli sovereignty. This is a profound change from the uncertainty of its status when I served here decades ago. Also, this visit is a chance for me to share with my wife a glimpse of my younger days, when I could easily navigate these hills."
Following a 48-hour standoff, police have allowed anti-judicial reform protestors into the Golan Heights community of Neve Ativ where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently vacationing.https://t.co/EkcklUTFMG
ā World Israel News (@worldisraelnews) August 9, 2023
In the guestbook of Tiger Battalion 405, part of the Artillery Corps, the Prime Minister left a note of encouragement, writing, "We commend you for your crucial duty ā safeguarding Hermon and looking out for one another." Sara Netanyahu also penned a heartfelt message to the soldiers' significant others, emphasizing the importance of their support. "Stay resilient and supportive, for you provide the strength that these soldiers, your loved ones, need. Raise children who will cherish the nation and people of Israel, following in the footsteps of their fathers."
During their visit, the Netanyahus, along with their security detail, booked nearly half of a 43-suite hotel. In preparation for their stay, significant security measures, including roadblocks managed by the police and the Shin Bet, were put in place, limiting access to the local residents and guests to prevent potential protests against Netanyahu's legal initiatives.
In response, numerous protesters traveled north, pledging a "night of uproar" aimed at disrupting the Prime Minister and his wife's peaceful retreat. After being denied entry into the hotel's premises, these protesters appealed to the High Court, which subsequently permitted several hundred of them to protest, albeit 300 meters away from the hotel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, today visited Mt. Hermon and viewed the Golan Heights. They also met with the IDF Nahal Brigade soldiers who are serving there for a short conversation over coffee.https://t.co/qcnpZxpiaD pic.twitter.com/QcJJjStd2p
ā Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 9, 2023
This opposition wasn't confined to physical protests. Online, the hotel's website faced a deluge of criticism. Throughout the week, the landing page of the hotel, Panda, was bombarded with hundreds of comments, some in English, reproaching the establishment for hosting the Prime Minister.
