Netanyahu hails collapse of Assad regime as milestone in dismantling Iran’s axis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a turning point in the Middle East following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, framing it as a major blow to Iran’s regional influence. During a nationally televised press conference on Monday, Netanyahu credited Israel’s military efforts against Iranian proxies for the “historic” change.

“Yesterday, a new chapter opened, a dramatic chapter, in the history of the Middle East,” Netanyahu said. “The Assad regime in Syria, a central link in Iran’s axis of evil, has collapsed after 54 years. Billions of Iranian funds have gone down the drain.”

Netanyahu highlighted Syria’s role as an outpost for Iranian terrorism, supplying Hezbollah with weapons and spreading hostility toward Israel. He described the regime’s fall as the “direct result” of Israel’s military actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

Since the October 7 Hamas-led terrorist attacks, Netanyahu said, Israel has worked to dismantle Iran’s network of proxies stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean. “We are breaking [the axis] down piece by piece,” he declared.

The prime minister detailed Israel’s achievements, including the elimination of top Hamas leaders, the destruction of Hezbollah’s strongholds and missile stockpiles, and the killing of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Netanyahu described Nasrallah’s death as a pivotal moment, calling him the “axis of the axis.”

Netanyahu also emphasized the strategic importance of the Golan Heights, thanking generations of Israelis who secured the region. “Our control of the Golan Heights guarantees our security, it guarantees our sovereignty,” he said, noting Israel’s decision to take full control of the buffer zone and the adjacent commanding positions.

Acknowledging U.S. support, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to President-elect Donald Trump for recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019.

While Netanyahu acknowledged that threats remain, he assured Israelis of continued progress. “The State of Israel is establishing its position as a center of power in our region,” he said. “Those who cooperate with us, benefit greatly. Whoever attacks us, loses big.”

In his closing remarks, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to returning all hostages held by Hamas and countering misinformation regarding his leadership. He reiterated U.S. officials’ statements that Hamas alone has blocked a deal to free hostages.

Israel’s ongoing campaign against Iran’s proxies underscores its resolve to reshape the Middle East’s security landscape. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Israel’s defense strategies and regional developments.