Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proudly claims that Israel played a key role in the collapse of the Syrian state and the rise of Islamist groups.
He says, “The collapse is a direct result of our vigorous action against Hezbollah and Iran—Assad’s main support forces,” pointing to Israel’s efforts in weakening these groups as the catalyst for Syria’s downfall.
In a recent speech, Netanyahu called the shift in power in Syria a “historic day,” acknowledging the great opportunities it presents but warning of the significant risks. According to Israeli leaders, the rise of Islamists in Syria was possible because Israel’s actions against Hezbollah and Iran prevented them from intervening to support Bashar al-Assad. Netanyahu described the situation as a “chain reaction,” with many groups seeking freedom from Assad’s tyranny, but he also emphasized the need for Israel to defend itself from potential threats.
Netanyahu noted that since 1974, Israel and Syria had a ceasefire agreement, but the collapse of Syria’s government also ended that arrangement. “The Syrian army abandoned its positions. We ordered the Israeli army to take over these positions to ensure that no hostile force embeds itself right at the Israeli border,” he said, calling it a temporary defense measure until a long-term solution is found.
Israel, while extending an olive branch to Syrians who seek peace, has taken a more aggressive stance since Assad’s fall. Netanyahu mentioned Israel’s willingness to establish peaceful ties with Syrians—Drusians, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims—who want peaceful relations with Israel. But, he added, “if we cannot, we will do what it takes to defend the State of Israel and its borders.”
Israel’s actions have been far from peaceful, however, as reports show over 300 airstrikes targeting Syrian sites. These strikes have taken out Syria’s fleet and bombed key infrastructure like research centers and weapons depots to prevent them from falling into hostile hands. Furthermore, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly advanced deep into Syria, only two miles from Aleppo, taking control of villages and areas south of the city.
