Video: Israel Hayom visits Mount Hermon's Syrian side / Text: Hanan Greenwood. Video: Yehonatan Shaul; Editing: Uri Stav

We stand at an abandoned Syrian military position, surrounded by equipment the former Syrian regime's soldiers left behind during their hasty retreat, positioned near the Commander vehicles of the Mounted Tactical Unit – the exclusive means of reaching this remote location. Standing at 9,232 feet (2,814 meters) above sea level represents the most distant point Israeli forces have ever achieved. This marks Israel's new frontier boundary. No obstacles prevented our continued advance. The distances tell the story – 81 miles (130 kilometers) to Beirut, 280 miles (450 kilometers) to Aleppo, 932 miles (1,500 kilometers) to Istanbul, and from there direct access to Europe. Southern Lebanon lies a short distance to our left; the Druze villages that recently suffered massacres spread to our right in the distance. We stand centrally positioned at this IDF-controlled outpost, maintaining the defensive perimeter.

Every Israeli schoolchild learns that Mount Hermon serves as "the nation's eyes." However, most Israelis fail to comprehend, even now, how dramatically small the area historically called "Israeli Hermon" appears compared to the massive Syrian-controlled ridge that dominated for decades. When fighters gazed toward Syrian Hermon from observation posts like Mitzpe Shelagim or Mount Hermon base, they witnessed an imposing wall of earth and stone. Yet even map consultation failed to reveal the truly strategic nature of what confronted them.

Standing at the precipice edge atop Hermon's summit, two phrases immediately surface – "strategic mountain ridge." Subsequent thoughts express burning questions about how we permitted ourselves to remain absent from this location since the Yom Kippur War. Something profound internally insists the IDF must never abandon this strategic position again. The security establishment clearly grasps this reality; despite theoretical or official temporary presence, consolidation efforts proceed at unprecedented speed.

"No vehicles have traversed this terrain"

We arrived at Camp Ar'ar one hour prior, home base of the Mountain Brigade. Established approximately one year ago, the unit specializes in mountain combat and extreme weather operations. Mount Hermon facility gates stood deserted during our passage, with thermometers registering 104°F (40°C). The expansive parking area, crowded during winter months, appeared abandoned, while large snow vehicles stood isolated beside the familiar snowman sculpture.

Command Sergeant Major (Res.) A. positioned himself beside the robust jeep, completely covered in protective gear. "Ready for departure?" he smiled through his face covering. We naively inquired about distance to our destination, assuming a ten-minute journey. "Prepare for one hour of dust," he responded with amusement. He was not kidding.

This wasn't my initial encounter with the IDF Mounted Tactical Unit. Last October, we documented the unit's operations when Commander Captain (Res.) Z guided me through high-speed maneuvers in Beit Lahia under anti-tank missile threats, mere hours following field combat. This specialized boutique unit emerged from wartime necessity, evolving from a niche Egyptian border solution into a genuine strategic asset across all IDF operational sectors.

Six months later, the unit ranks among the military's most coveted assignments, boasting operational records including special forces cooperation in Lebanon, wounded soldier evacuations and terrorist captures in Gaza, rocket and anti-tank missile detection in Syria, terrorist pursuits in Judea and Samaria, and trailblazing the ground route to Hermon's peak. Their vehicles literally access unreachable locations at speeds that leave observers in dust clouds, while dozens of fighters deployed nationwide – and beyond – enhance IDF superiority across multiple theaters. Operating under information security constraints, they revealed selected recent activities during our extended journey to Hermon's summit.

A. commands the unit's Hermon team. His war began entirely in Sinai when his father called from their Sderot home opposite the police station. "My father planned descending to the shelter with friends, but my dog refused to go down. He telephoned reporting people with strange headbands walking the streets and audible gunfire. I immediately recognized terrorists and forbade his descent. Had the dog cooperated before that phone call, my father wouldn't have survived."

Six hundred days later, A. – who works as a dock worker at Ashdod Port – continues reserve duty. Initially serving with Northern Brigade battalions in Gaza, he later discovered the MTU, completed training, and joined the unit. After spending eighteen months in the Strip, he received northern deployment. When asked why someone from Sderot living in Ashdod seeks Hermon service, he responds, "We are reserve soldiers and fighters who answer every national call. My beloved wife raises three sons at home, and we serve with tremendous pride and honor."

A. shared details of his participation in a complex Mount Dov operation that preserved lives. The mission involved extremely challenging terrain where D-9 bulldozers carved pathways followed immediately by MTU vehicles. "Our vehicles alone could descend into Lebanese Mount Dov sectors – terrain never before traversed by any vehicle. D-9 bulldozers led the route while we followed directly behind, navigating around craters and over boulder fields where wheel positioning awareness determines survival."

Something profound internally insists the IDF must never abandon this strategic position again. The security establishment clearly grasps this reality; despite theoretical or official temporary presence, consolidation efforts proceed at unprecedented speed.

Upon reaching their objective with the Mountain Brigade commander, they discovered the critical nature of their newly controlled position. "We located rockets, mortar rounds, and launchers targeting IDF positions we had recently departed. They intended harming our soldiers – the same personnel we had encountered minutes earlier. We discovered terror tunnels in areas accessible only to our units, eliminating the need for exhausting multi-hour treks across particularly demanding terrain."

Welcome to the Syrian side of the Hermon

Our vehicles accelerated forward, smoothing the winter-snow-covered asphalt route leading to established Mount Hermon outposts. Minutes later, asphalt yielded to dirt roads marked by brilliant red poles indicating cliff edges for vehicles navigating winter snow and dense fog conditions.

Yellow bulldozers displaying Druze and Israeli flags worked along the pathway, excavating mountainside sections and substantially improving road conditions as additional winter preparations. During late May's final week, despite Israel's heat, white snow remnants still marked the massive mountain. However, the IDF already races toward next winter's challenges, anticipated as far more demanding than anything experienced since 1967 in previously designated Israeli Hermon territory. "See those red barrels? That marks the border," A indicated without releasing the accelerator. "Welcome to Syrian Hermon."

MTU fighters spearheaded forces crossing into territory controlled by Syria for decades. MTU vehicles provided exclusive heavy snow passage capability. "These vehicles navigate snow conditions like sand dune travel," Captain (Res.) Z. explained. "We searched former Syrian regime outposts discovering extensive abandoned equipment, combat materials, and substantial explosive charges."

"Observe this mountainous region," A. points out. "You can access outposts within deep valleys and investigate ongoing activities. We recovered various intelligence materials from these positions. Syrian outpost lines represented the final barrier before Israel, yielding considerable intelligence revealing their knowledge about us."

Our journey proves lengthy and dust-filled across routes not yet accommodating all vehicle types. The lead Pajero driver suddenly halts, requesting power gear engagement. His vehicle struggles down a terrifying slope while our Commander vehicle proceeds smoothly, creating passenger compartment sensations resembling Ayalon highway travel.

Several kilometers ahead we reach our first destination – the outpost of Metzudat Ruach (Fortress of Wind). Approximately six months ago, the Israel Hayom team first visited this outpost, then representing the most distant civilian-accessible location. During peak winter conditions, fighters constructed this outpost manually atop Mount Hermon ridge peaks.

Multiple Hummers with fighters enter the outpost immediately behind us. This forward Mountain Brigade base enables IDF operations at winter peak altitudes of 9,186 feet (2,800 meters), enduring temperatures reaching -4°F (-20°C) amid snow conditions far exceeding upper cable car skiing experiences.

They forces returned from Druze villages situated at mountain base elevations, prompting our announcement of available blood units we have for them. Whether treating attacked Druze civilians, as previously occurred, or addressing IDF fighter injuries, blood unit availability provides immediate response capability, considering extended evacuation timeframes.

The outpost fighters execute multiple primary missions, including proactive offensive operations establishing ridge control while preventing enemy movement and weapons trafficking between Syria and Lebanon. Prior to the takeover of the Hermon summit, this area served smugglers of every variety, from mule-transported narcotics to Iranian precision rockets en route to Hezbollah on trucks.

An observation bench outside the outpost overlooks spectacular vistas. Quneitra appears distantly, considered relatively calm and secure, permitting regular journalist access. Two Syrian helmets rest on the bench, apparently discovered locally, while ground burn marks indicate barbecue activities. However, pastoral appearances deceive, as only operational activities occur during darkness hours in this threatened zone.

Makeshift burial ground

Our initial mission concluded, we advance northward deeper into the territory. A UN outpost appears to our right – among few surface-visible installations, since numerous Syrian outposts operate underground. Syrian winter survival methods remain unclear; fighter searches revealed extremely harsh living conditions, with non-survivors buried in nearby improvised cemeteries.

Within a small valley, we identify a particularly surprising remnant bearing tragic history – rotor remains from an Israeli Super Frelon helicopter that crashed in 1974 during wounded and deceased Israeli personnel recovery missions, remaining untouched for decades. Six fighters perished that horrific day.

Pathway construction continues here as well. Last winter, air force helicopters required parachuting supplies to alpine fighters maintaining area presence under severe conditions. The Mountain Brigade currently prepares for fighter area deployment through multiple means, including Fortress of Wind as a forward base and road route improvements. Israel Hayom learned that alpine units and brigade snow vehicle capabilities will expand significantly in coming months to address challenging sector weather conditions.

Our next objective is Outpost H-1, the most distant from Israeli territory. When journalists last reached this position, they traveled via helicopter and snow vehicles during the defense minister's visit. One hour's drive from the upper cable car along complex routes, positioned extremely close to Syria's capital, this represents our most challenging point.

Hezbollah even documented one brigade commander operation. "We rapidly reached the area executing specific missions. Following operations, we suddenly observed our own Telegram videos filmed by Hezbollah. They couldn't comprehend our vehicles – questioning who these personnel were racing through terrain at high speeds before disappearing."

This outpost utilizes Syrian construction of notably poor quality. Fighter entry revealed Russian combat equipment alongside Syrian materials. During winter months, alpine fighters operated from this position against hostile elements. Recent attempts by various elements to control outposts situated slightly north of H-1 within Syria continue, requiring constant IDF action for their removal. This strategic border location between Syria and Lebanon serves dual purposes as a critical smuggling corridor and enemy crossing point. Until eighteen months ago, this location played central roles in Iranian strategies creating fire rings around Israel.

Presidential palace halfway point

Our Commander vehicles advance beyond the 1974-established separation of forces line, normally blocked to standard vehicles. The jeeps easily navigate past roadblocks, reaching an abandoned Syrian position along deteriorating asphalt routes.

This well-mapped route buffers Syria and Lebanon. Damascus city lies approximately 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) directly from our position. Nineteen miles (30 kilometers) of mountainous challenging roadway separate us from Highway 1 leading to Syria's capital. Looking at the horizon gives you a sense as to why this location bears strategic significance and how it gives Israel direct Hermon access into Lebanon and Syria. One hour's travel from our final Israeli outpost will bring you to Qasr al-Shaab, the Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's residence – a shorter journey than returning to Mount Hermon facility parking.

Sergeant Major S. is from a specialized ATV unit fighter with merely two months' experience. As a veteran of the elite Egoz unit, he understands northern combat well, yet describes this activity as completely different. "Syria represents an entirely new world. Upon first entering Druze villages, I was amazed discovering their lifestyle remained 70 years behind current times. I never anticipated participating in such operations, collaborating with alpine fighters and additional special units."

A describes occasional high-risk operations, though their critical necessity remains clear. "Brigade Commander L. shared an unforgettable statement – 'I want to participate in all operations exclusively with your unit.' We collaborated with numerous special units throughout this region. We entered former regime outposts discovering notebooks and binders containing significant intelligence on Israel. You realize you have thwarted a plot that had been hatched here, something major, successfully saving young soldiers' lives. Who would have thought I'd participate in such activities? The sensation feels incredible."

Hezbollah even documented one brigade commander operation. "We rapidly reached the area executing specific missions. Following operations, we suddenly observed our own Telegram videos filmed by Hezbollah. They couldn't comprehend our vehicles – the terrorist group wondered who these personnel were and why they were racing through terrain at high speeds before disappearing."

One hour's travel from our final Israeli outpost will bring you to Qasr al-Shaab, the Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's residence – a shorter journey than returning to Mount Hermon facility parking.

"We're making history here," Captain (Res.) Z. stated. "Months ago, suggestions of positioning ourselves at Hermon's crown, 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) from Damascus as the crow flies, would have seemed dreamlike. This extremely strategic location benefits Israeli national security. Our vehicles served as full partners in Hermon capture, generating tremendous pride. These vehicles transported the brigade commander who raised Israel's flag atop Hermon's summit. Each entry here renews my excitement over this significant achievement."

Above the western Lebanese Chouf mountains, sunset commences, signaling our departure time. Just 31 miles (50 kilometers) beyond mountain ridges lies Sidon, deep within Lebanese territory, approached through Bekaa and Nabatieh districts where air force aircraft operate almost daily, conducting attacks and bombardments preventing Hezbollah's rehabilitation.

The ATVs thunder toward the upper cable car return journey as dust clouds swirl around us, momentarily concealing spectacular landscapes harboring some of Israel's most bitter enemies. "We now exercise much stronger territorial control, securing it so that we can prevent the next October 7," Z. concluded.

The Syrian capital recedes behind us along with persistent questions – will this border line protect Israel from terror and Iranian threats for coming decades, or do forgotten Damascus hummus dreams approach realization? Time provides answers. Setting sun illuminates golden colors across the massive Israeli flag illustration painted on the Syrian outpost – correction, the Israeli installation – as we continue southward. I glance backward momentarily, observing Israel's new frontier, two fingers from Damascus.

The post 'An hour's drive from al-Shara'a palace': A journey to Syria's danger zone appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

"I came here to ensure that the IDF is well-prepared for both defense and offense, for a prolonged stay at the Hermon outposts," Katz said. "We will not return to the reality of October 7, and we will not rely on others for our defense – here or anywhere else. We only rely on the commanders and soldiers of the IDF, both regular and reserve, to provide security to the people of Israel."

The Defense Minister outlined Israel's security policy in Syria and made clear that the IDF will prevent the establishment of hostile forces in the area between Mount Hermon and the Suwayda-Damascus road. "We will act against any threat," Katz emphasized, adding that Israel will maintain contact with friendly populations in the region, "with an emphasis on the large Druze population, who have close historical and familial ties with our Druze brothers, Israeli citizens - to whom the State of Israel is primarily committed."

The post IDF to remain on Mount Hermon indefinitely appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

This week, Israel Hayom received unprecedented access to the Syrian Hermon sector, captured by the IDF six weeks ago following the rebels' victory in Syria and the fall of the Bashar Assad regime. This marks the first media tour of this strategically vital foothold, which has been seared in Israelis' collective memory as a crucial post since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The deceptive quiet is matched only by the stunning vistas. On clear days, Damascus lies visible just 15 miles from the peak. The northern view sweeps across Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, the strategic Syria-Lebanon frontier, the Shouf mountains, and nearby, the Mount Dov region and Shebaa Farms.

Colonel Liron Appleman, who commands the newly formed "Mountain Division," led the initial force into the Syrian side of the Hermon on December 8 just days after Assda's fall. His troops advanced on heavy D9 bulldozers, simultaneously clearing paths and sweeping for mines in challenging terrain. The narrow route required significant widening to facilitate northward movement and logistics support.

Snow blankets the highest elevations, and an incoming weekend storm has heightened alertness. Here, every factor – cold, power, heat, food – can become a survival issue. This doesn't account for the multiple adversaries who, while currently quiet, could emerge from any direction.

The Syrian Hermon contains dozens of former Syrian positions. When IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Northern Command Chief Uri Gordin visited the highest post – dubbed H1 by Syria and "The Peak" by the IDF – they were forced to exit immediately due to the overwhelming stench.

These hastily abandoned positions yielded discarded uniforms, officer insignia, and substantial weaponry: explosives, mines, RPG launchers, grenades, and personal weapons. After collecting these materials, the IDF undertook extensive cleaning operations. Some positions contained apparent graves for soldiers who succumbed to disease or cold.

"The Peak" position underwent rapid renovation for habitability. All Syrian-era materials were removed, replaced by comprehensive facilities: showers, toilets, heating systems, a fully equipped kitchen, weather-appropriate bedding, furniture, clothing, and abundant provisions.

For Colonel Appleman, this operation represented his service's most complex challenge. His primary concern centered not on enemy action but on preventing his troops from becoming stranded in extreme conditions without adequate support.

The attention to detail is evident throughout – from double-door entrances maximizing insulation to carefully calculated fuel and water reserves for potential snow isolation. Each position maintains snow removal equipment and medical personnel.

Interior spaces feature proper sanitation facilities and bunk rooms with overhead heating units maintaining comfortable temperatures. Despite the exterior cold (though mid-week conditions proved mild), indoor areas remain warm enough for troops to wear standard uniforms, with some even opting for partial civilian attire.

The post 'On a clear day you see Damascus': A rare visit to Mount Hermon appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

We climb toward Mount Hermon's peak along the Israeli outpost line, reaching the northernmost point of Israel's border. Until two days ago, this marked the international boundary line. No Israeli foot had crossed it, at least not officially. Now, the path extending into the buffer zone has been cleared. Soldiers from the Shaldag unit have ascended the mountain peak on foot and in jeeps. This time, the Hermon "capture" concluded without a single shot fired.

Shaldag forces advanced several additional miles from here. The scattered patches of snow mark the borderline on Hermon. There's no border fence here, only barrels marking the Alpha Line and the buffer zone. Syrian soldiers abandoned their old outpost years ago. What represents the "eyes of the state" for Israel holds no significance for them. Only UN soldiers and smugglers making their way between Syria and Lebanon remain at the mountain's peak.

The Shaldag force that climbed to the summit encountered no Syrian soldiers. At the peak, they found only a Lebanese smuggler making his way with donkeys empty of equipment. He told the soldiers he was bringing his wife from Syrian Beit Jann to Shebaa. He wasn't particularly concerned about being caught. He was detained, his details were recorded, and he continued on his way. Besides him, there's a UN forces outpost in the area, which the soldiers didn't approach.

Raphael Naveh, CEO of the Hermon ski site, had the privilege of reaching the Syrian peak with senior officers, or as he calls it: "The New Hermon." After the ski site was closed last year, a few employees at the facility are working to prepare it for the upcoming season.

The ski season won't open this year as the cable car cables were damaged, and the experts who need to come from abroad to repair them haven't yet sent a price quote. The site has been declared a closed military zone until the end of the month, and it's estimated that the order will be extended for another month. Only afterward will the site open to visitors. "It's purely out of Zionism," says Naveh. "We're fixing and hoping to prepare the site. Property tax assessors have already been here; we need to bring repair quotes. Many rockets fell here. Some hit equipment, the cable was torn. All the windows in the site offices were hit by shrapnel. If we hadn't taken immediate action, the entire cable would have fallen, and it would have been very difficult to repair."

The Alpinist Unit's disappointment

From the mountain peak, the views of the Hula Valley spread before us, with Lebanon's Shouf Mountains below. On a clear day, you can see Damascus, 43.5 miles away. Only the beginning of Hermon is visible from where we stand. Israel holds 7% of Hermon's area, with the ski site occupying just one percent of the mountain area. At the site's base, Alpine forces are still working to prepare the snow levelers and snow cats as part of winter preparations, though winter hasn't really arrived here yet. According to the forecast, snow might fall in a week.

Among the Alpinist Unit soldiers, there's noticeable disappointment that the Hermon "capture" was given to the Shaldag unit. It's understandable. Those responsible for operational activities in the snow for the past 50 years were left out of the operational picture. The Alpinist soldiers know that when snow falls, conditions on the mountain will change. Untrained forces won't survive here for one day. "We know how to reach every spot on the mountain," says Naveh, "movement will only be possible in snow cats. They'll also need to prepare for stays at the mountain peak."

The Alpinist unit is small and highly skilled. Now that the Hermon area has more than doubled, it will take time to train additional soldiers. According to IDF assessments, Syrian rebels won't approach here in winter. The harsh conditions won't allow infiltration from here, at least not without the help of smugglers, who are the only ones who know how to navigate and operate in high mountain conditions.

Below zero

Night temperatures here drop below freezing, and the mountain winds create very harsh conditions even without snow. The winter sun is warm and doesn't reflect what happens here after dark. The IDF will need to prepare for stays with special equipment. Everyone understands that when snow falls, the Alpinist Unit will take command.

Naveh dreams about expanding the ski site. Building in Syrian territory is a pipe dream, but expanding the ski runs into the enlarged military area – that's a dream that could come true. "Once, I had a plan to put slopes on the border. To prepare for a peace ski site, where more sites would be established and the slopes would connect like in Europe," he says with a smile.

The post Syria war's upside: Ski resort's CEO dreams of expanding Hermon site appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Continuing from last week, rain and low temperatures were expected in the coming days across the country. From the north to the south, Wednesday saw intermittent rain with thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. Temperatures will continue to drop, and temperatures will be colder than usual for the season throughout the day.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

Additional snowfall was expected on Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights and there might be light snow on the peaks of the Galilee and further south in places above 900 meters, such as the hilly region of Samaria, Hebron, Kiryat Arba, and in the highest hills of Jerusalem. 

The Hermon ski resort said in a statement that the storm "system is at its peak this morning [Wednesday], the site is covered with a thick layer of snow that continues to fall intermittently. At the top level about 70 cm (27 inches), at the bottom about 40 (16 inches). The temperature at the peak is -4 degrees Celsius (24  degrees Fahrenheit), at the lowest point -1 (30 degrees Fahrenheit), with fog and strong winds. Snow is expected to stop at noon, but the extreme cold will continue."

The site is closed to visitors due to the coronavirus lockdown. The resort said it hopes to receive an opening permit from the Health Ministry at the end of the lockdown, along with all the guidelines required. 

"Snow without visitors is not snow," said CEO of the Mount Hermon ski resort Refael Nave. 

Also on Wednesday, the Water Authority reported that the Sea of Galilee had risen by six centimeters (2.4 inches) in the last 24 hours. The water level currently stands at -209.795 meters (688 feet below sea level), only 5.99 centimeters (2.3 inches) short of the Upper Red Line. 

Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy to clear with slighly higher temperatures. Friday' s forecast is pleasant, with another slight increase in temperature and a decrease in humidity. 

Saturday will be even warmer, with yet another temperature rise. No significant changes are expected on Sunday. 

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

The post With more snow expected, Sea of Galilee close to full capacity appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Sunday's post, in which we shared a link to the article alongside a photo of an Israel Defense Forces soldier making coffee at a border post near Mount Hermon got 8,000 likes, 650 comments and dozens of shares.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

Many women inquired with Israel Hayom who the soldier was.

"I am willing to go and serve on guard duty with him," one user wrote. "Does anyone know if this gorgeous soldier is single?" wrote another woman.

It turns out the soldier is Eran Farkash, a 21-year-old who serves in the Artillery Corps, currently stationed on the Lebanese border near Mt. Hermon. He is a former basketball player. By the way, he has a girlfriend.

"When I saw him, it immediately hit me that he would become viral," recalled the photographer Eytan Asraf.

The post Israel Hayom's photo of 'gorgeous' soldier becomes instant hit appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

With approximately eight inches of snow already on the ground and accumulation set to continue throughout the day, the Hermon ski resort management closed the site to visitors. Snowfall was also reported in towns in the Golan Heights.

Unseasonable rainstorms drenched the country from north to south, as vacationers tried to find ways to enjoy the Passover holiday indoors. Many parks which were opened for free to hikers and visitors for the holiday were closed, including the Ein Gedi nature reserve. Outdoor events around the country were canceled or rescheduled for later in the week.

While some local scattered showers were forecast for Monday morning, the day scheduled for the traditional Priestly Blessing ceremony at the Western Wall plaza, temperatures are expected to rise and rains to dry up throughout the week, according to the Israel Meteorological Service.

Massive rainfalls this year broke a five-year drought. Measurements at the Sea of Galilee showed over triple last year's rainfall.

The Sea of Galilee, Israel's primary natural water source, rose from just 16 inches away from the black line – the point past which the lake becomes ecologically imbalanced – to 11.25 feet from the black line as of April 20.

It is now 8.75 feet from its upper limit, after which point it would flood its banks.

This article is reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

The post Mount Hermon sees first Passover snowfall in 22 years appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.