Tel Aviv [Israel]: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed holding a phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, during which he reiterated Israel’s commitment to counter Iran and its armed proxies, CNN reported.
In a video message, Netanyahu described the discussion as “very friendly, very warm, and very important.” He emphasized Israel’s determination to secure “complete victory” and highlighted ongoing efforts to bring back hostages held in Gaza.
Hamas carried out a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, killing over 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Of these, around 100 are still believed to be in captivity. In response, Israel launched a massive counter-offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 45,000 Palestinian casualties.
“I discussed all of this again last night with my friend, US President-elect Donald Trump,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“We spoke about the need to complete Israel’s victory, and we also spoke at length about the efforts we are making to free our hostages. We continue to work tirelessly to bring them home, both the living and the dead,” he added. Netanyahu noted that less public discussion on these efforts would enhance their success.
On social media platform X, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s resolve to reshape the Middle East.
“I said we would change the Middle East, and this is what is happening. Syria is not the same Syria. Lebanon is not the same Lebanon. Gaza is not the same Gaza. Iran is not the same Iran,” he wrote.
The Israeli Prime Minister also reiterated the nation’s commitment to counter Hezbollah.
“We are committed to preventing Hezbollah from rearming,” Netanyahu said, according to Times of Israel.
“This is an ongoing test for Israel, and we will meet it. I say to Hezbollah and Iran in no uncertain terms: to prevent you from harming us, we will continue to act against you as much as necessary, in every arena and at all times.”
Since December 8, when rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria, Israel has escalated its military operations in the region. This includes hundreds of airstrikes and a land incursion into a previously demilitarized buffer zone, as reported by The Washington Post. Israeli forces have taken control of abandoned Syrian military positions and destroyed much of Syria’s military infrastructure.
Netanyahu emphasized that recent airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites were necessary to prevent weapons from being used against Israel and to disrupt arms supply routes to Hezbollah.
“We have no interest in a conflict with Syria,” Netanyahu said, but warned that Israel would act decisively if Iran attempted to re-establish a presence in Syria or transfer weapons to Hezbollah.
“Israel’s policy toward Syria will be determined by the realities on the ground,” he stated.