Golan Heights

The secret northern pool: A short summer route leading to a cool spring

A year-round spring, ancient mill, and Syrian camp await on a short Nahal Jilabun trail - ideal for a refreshing northern dip without a full-day hike.

Officers' Pool, Ein Jilabun.
 A supporter of Israel holds flags during a protest, following Hamas' biggest attack on Israel in years, in Bogota, Colombia October 9, 2023.

Colombia becomes second country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, joining US

 Illustration of ISIS terrorists.

Syrian authorities arrest nine-member ISIS cell in town adjacent to Israel's demilitarized zone

Sunrise at Dir Aziz, a fourth-century synagogue in the Golan Heights.

At sunrise in an ancient Golan synagogue, the debate over sovereignty feels absurd - opinion


Record heatwave expected to hit Israel this weekend with potential 47°C in Sea of Galilee region

Extreme heat is forecast for the southern Golan Heights, the northern valleys, the Lower Galilee, the Kinneret Valley, the Dead Sea coast, the Jordan Valley, the Arava, the Judean Desert, and Negev.

Pigeons fly in front of the sun as it rises over Kuwait City on August 23, 2025.

Sharaa: Syria working to reach security deal with Israel, will not give up on Golan Heights claim

Additionally, Syria has no intention of intervening militarily in Lebanon, although Syria is discussing ways to help overcome the crisis there with the Lebanese government. 

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) arrives to receive UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the People's Palace in Damascus on July 25, 2026

Golan Heights 'are Syrian territory,' UN chief Guterres stresses during Damascus visit

The UN Secretary-General addressed post-war reconstruction and territory disputes at his press conference during the first visit to Syria by a UN chief since the Assad regime.

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa receives UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the People's Palace in Damascus, July 25, 2026

Not 5 stars, but not a Scouts tent either: The new glamping site in the North

The glamping complex at Kibbutz Ortal offers an outdoor accommodation experience with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and an equipped kitchen.

Glamping at Kibbutz Ortal

IDF detains Israeli civilians who crossed into Syria, others who attempted to breach border

The IDF noted that it has identified a recent increase in illegal border crossing attempts into Syria, both successful and unsuccessful.

View of the Israeli border area with Syria, as seen from the northern Golan Heights, April 11, 2026.

Why does Trump wants Israel to withdraw from Syria, and what does it mean for the IDF? - analysis

For Israel, there is no real strategic or tactical need to keep up the friction with Syrian villages along the buffer zone - and a re-think may be necessary in the future.

 (L-R) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the backdrop of Syrian and Israeli flags (illustrative)

IDF detains Israeli civilians in Golan Heights who attempted to cross into Syria

On July 5, about 100 such activists crossed into the Syrian side of Mount Hermon and were subsequently detained by the IDF.

View of the Israeli border area with Syria, as seen from the northern Golan Heights, April 11, 2026.

IDF detains nearly 100 settlers who tried to enter Syrian side of Mount Hermon

The group said it intentionally positioned itself in a mountainous area to make evacuation difficult, emphasizing that it wished to avoid violence.

Members of the HaBashan Pioneers make their way towards the Israel-Syrian border, July 5, 2026; Illustrative.

Reporter’s Notebook: The threat along Syrian buffer zone is far from over for Israel

For now, there appears to be little appetite to withdraw from the buffer zone, largely because of lingering questions over whether Syria’s new president is truly capable of controlling the country.

The Israel Ministry of Defense’s National Mine Action Authority (INMAA) clears minefields with the assistance of sappers from 4M Defense Mine Solutions in the northern Golan Heights near the Syrian border, April 28, 2026.

Safed Rabbinical Court may close this fall despite strong local demand

Several rabbis wrote a letter to the chief rabbi opposing the decision, and the Rabbinical Courts Administration said it is doing everything "in its power" to stop the closure, the report said.

 Buildings in old city, Safed, Northern District, Israel.