<P> The springs , and the mountain itself , are much contested by the nations of the area for the use of the water . Mount Hermon is also called the `` snowy mountain , '' the `` gray - haired mountain '' , and the `` mountain of snow '' . It is also called `` the eyes of the nation '' in Israel because its elevation makes it Israel 's primary strategic early warning system . </P>
<P> The springs , and the mountain itself , are much contested by the nations of the area for the use of the water . Mount Hermon is also called the `` snowy mountain , '' the `` gray - haired mountain '' , and the `` mountain of snow '' . It is also called `` the eyes of the nation '' in Israel because its elevation makes it Israel 's primary strategic early warning system . </P>
the geographical location of israel was strategic in ancient times because
the geographical location of israel was strategic in ancient times because
its elevation makes it Israel 's primary strategic early warning system
its elevation makes it Israel 's primary strategic early warning system