Tel Aviv [Israel], December 11: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel has no intention of interfering in Syria’s internal affairs but warned that necessary measures will be taken to ensure Israel’s security. He emphasized that Israel would act decisively if the new Syrian regime permits Iran to re-establish itself in the region or transfers weapons to Hezbollah.
“We have no intention of interfering in Syria’s internal affairs. However, we will do what is necessary for our security. This includes approving Air Force strikes on strategic military assets left by the Syrian military to prevent them from falling into jihadist hands,” Netanyahu said in a video address on Tuesday.
Drawing a historical parallel, he added, “This is similar to what the British Air Force did when it bombed the fleet of the Vichy regime to prevent it from falling into Nazi hands.”
Israel’s Stance on Syria’s New Regime
Netanyahu expressed openness to relations with Syria’s new regime but set clear red lines: “If this regime allows Iran to re-establish itself in Syria, transfers weapons to Hezbollah, or attacks Israel, we will respond forcefully and exact a heavy price. The fate of the previous regime will also befall this one.”
Reactions to Assad’s Collapse
On Sunday, as Syrian rebels entered Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee and ending his two-decade rule, Netanyahu described the development as a “historic day” for the Middle East. While acknowledging the opportunities presented by Assad’s fall, Netanyahu cautioned about potential dangers and extended an olive branch to those seeking peace.
“This is a historic day for the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime offers great opportunities but is fraught with dangers. We send a hand of peace to all in Syria—Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims—who wish to live peacefully with Israel,” Netanyahu said in a video shared on X.
Israeli Forces Secure Border Positions
In response to the Syrian Army abandoning its positions, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli Army to secure these areas to prevent hostile forces from establishing themselves near Israel’s border. “This collapse is a direct result of our actions against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad’s main supporters. However, it has also led to the collapse of the Separation of Forces agreement from 1974, which held for 50 years,” Netanyahu noted.
Future Implications
The collapse of Assad’s regime marks a turning point in the region. While opposition leaders, such as Hadi al-Bahra, have declared Damascus “without Bashar al-Assad,” the region’s stability hangs in the balance as new dynamics unfold.