Netanyahu sees opportunity and risk in collapse of Assad regime

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israel’s northern border on Sunday, following the historic collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. Addressing the dramatic shift in the region, Netanyahu declared, “This is a historic day for the Middle East.”

Speaking to reporters, Netanyahu emphasized both the opportunities and risks posed by the fall of the Assad government. “The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers,” he said.

Netanyahu credited the regime’s downfall to Israel’s strategic actions against Iran and Hezbollah, Assad’s primary allies. “This collapse is the direct result of our forceful action against Hezbollah and Iran. It set off a chain reaction of all those who want to free themselves from this tyranny and its oppression.”

Despite the potential benefits, Netanyahu acknowledged significant security challenges, including the breakdown of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria. The agreement, which had maintained a buffer zone for nearly 50 years, was effectively nullified as the Syrian army abandoned its positions during the regime’s collapse.

“We gave the Israeli army the order to take over these positions to ensure that no hostile force embeds itself right next to the border of Israel,” Netanyahu said. He described the move as a temporary defensive measure until a more permanent arrangement can be established.

Netanyahu extended an olive branch to Syria’s diverse populations, including Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims, expressing a willingness to foster neighborly relations. “If we can establish peaceful relations with the new forces emerging in Syria, that’s our desire,” he said.

However, he made it clear that Israel’s priority is its security. “If we do not [establish peaceful relations], we will do whatever it takes to defend the State of Israel and the border of Israel,” Netanyahu asserted.

As the situation in Syria evolves, Israel is watching events closely, prepared to adapt to emerging threats while seeking opportunities for stability and cooperation. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Israel’s approach to this transformative moment in the region.