In late May, Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, a territory it had occupied for 22 years, leaving its northern border vulnerable to Syrian and terrorist attacks. This military presence had secured a vital buffer zone protecting Galilee and the Jezreel Valley, but the withdrawal, driven by political motives, has shifted the dynamics in the region. Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim terrorist group based in southern Lebanon and supported by Iran, refuses to disarm as long as Israel exists, viewing it as a persistent threat. Syria, which considers Lebanon part of its domain, now has free rein over the area following Israel's exit, including the ability to manage Hezbollah. Israeli political and military leaders concluded that withdrawing would reduce exposure to harm, as Hezbollah's capacity to attack inside Israel is limited, and it allows Syria to take responsibility for controlling the terrorist group. Whether this pragmatic move will prove beneficial or detrimental to Israel remains to be seen. Israeli officials continue to monitor their borders with Syria and Lebanon closely, maintaining alertness to any developments in the region.