Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking from the Golan Heights, has described the ongoing collapse of the Assad regime in Syria as a historic moment for the Middle East.
In a bold and assertive speech, Netanyahu framed this event as a dual-edged sword, presenting both opportunities and significant dangers for the region and Israel’s security.
The Collapse of Assad’s Regime
Netanyahu attributed the downfall of the Assad regime to Israel’s “forceful action” against two of its primary backers, Hezbollah and Iran.
“This collapse is the direct result of our forceful action against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad’s main supporters,” Netanyahu said, linking Israel’s military and strategic operations to a broader chain reaction. This reaction, he suggested, has emboldened those within Syria seeking to break free from Assad’s rule, characterized by decades of tyranny and oppression.
The Prime Minister’s statement emphasized the transformative nature of this shift. The potential departure of Assad’s government could signify a turning point for a country plagued by civil war and authoritarianism. Yet, Netanyahu was unequivocal in warning that this shift is fraught with uncertainty and risks, particularly for Israel.
Securing Israel’s Borders
One of the key points in Netanyahu’s address was the collapse of the Separation of Forces Agreement of 1974, a long-standing arrangement between Israel and Syria established after the Yom Kippur War. “This agreement held for 50 years. It collapsed,” Netanyahu noted, pointing to the current vacuum of power and the disintegration of the Syrian military presence along the Israeli border.
In response, Israel has taken decisive action. Netanyahu announced that the Israeli military has moved to occupy the positions formerly held by Syrian forces. “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,” he stated. Stressing that this is a temporary measure, Netanyahu underlined the importance of maintaining security until a more stable arrangement is established.
This move reflects Israel’s determination to prevent any hostile entities, including Iran-aligned militias or other extremist groups, from exploiting the instability in Syria to threaten Israeli sovereignty. By proactively securing these positions, Israel aims to create a buffer zone that safeguards its northern frontier.
A Hand of Peace Amid the Chaos
While Netanyahu’s rhetoric underscored the necessity of defensive measures, he also extended an olive branch to the various communities within Syria. Addressing the Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims, Netanyahu expressed Israel’s willingness to establish peaceful and cooperative relations with these groups, provided they share a desire for neighborly coexistence.
“We send a hand of peace to all those beyond our border in Syria,” he said. His message conveyed a dual strategy: one that combines vigilance and preparedness with a readiness to engage diplomatically. For Israel, the emerging power dynamics in Syria represent an opportunity to foster alliances with non-hostile factions and reshape regional relationships in a way that promotes stability.
However, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel’s ultimate priority is its own security. “If we can establish neighborly relations and peaceful relations with the new forces emerging in Syria, that’s our desire. But if we do not, we will do whatever it takes to defend the State of Israel and the border of Israel,” he concluded. This statement reflects the delicate balance Israel seeks to maintain—open to peace but unyielding in its commitment to national defence.
Implications for the Region
Netanyahu’s remarks highlight the profound uncertainty that comes with the collapse of the Assad regime. Syria’s power vacuum could invite both opportunities for new alliances and threats from adversarial forces seeking to exploit the chaos. The region is at a critical juncture, where the actions of both state and non-state actors could reshape its geopolitical landscape.
For Israel, the stakes are particularly high. As a country surrounded by often-hostile neighbors, maintaining secure borders and preventing the rise of threats near its territory remain paramount. Netanyahu’s decision to deploy the Israeli military to former Syrian positions reflects this urgency, signaling to both allies and adversaries that Israel will act decisively to protect its interests.
A Strategic Vision for the Future
Netanyahu’s vision for navigating this historic moment involves a mix of military strength, strategic foresight, and openness to peace. By asserting control over the volatile border region and extending an invitation for peaceful coexistence, Israel is positioning itself as both a defender of its sovereignty and a potential partner for a more stable future in Syria.
The Prime Minister’s speech also serves as a reminder of Israel’s complex role in the Middle East. As it contends with both immediate threats and long-term challenges, Israel continues to walk a tightrope between military vigilance and diplomatic engagement. Netanyahu’s message underscores the need for pragmatism and adaptability in a region where the only constant is change.
Netanyahu’s address from the Golan Heights captured the gravity of the moment—a turning point filled with both peril and promise. As events unfold, the world will be watching closely to see how Israel and its neighbors navigate this period of transformation.
Main Image: © Photo by Kobi Gideon, GPO
