<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
its elevation makes it Israel 's primary strategic early warning system