Israel's military has conducted airstrikes on strategic weapons systems, residual chemical weapon capabilities, and long-range missiles and rockets in Syria. The goal is to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of extremist groups, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
Saar stated during a media briefing that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had also taken temporary and focused control of strategic areas near the border to prevent potential attacks similar to the one on October 7 originating from Syria.
He emphasized that the Iranian occupation in Syria has come to an end. Saar pointed out that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had relied on foreign forces rather than the support of his own people, and the collapse of his rule should not come as a surprise.
Regarding Iran's regional ambitions, Saar remarked, 'Iran thought it could control the entire region. This aspiration has now collided with reality.'
Saar highlighted the importance of safeguarding minorities in Syria, including Kurds, Druze, Christians, and Alawites, who formed the backbone of the Assad regime.
He also condemned recent attacks on Kurds in northern Syria by pro-Turkish rebel factions, calling for an immediate halt to such hostilities. Saar mentioned that Israel maintains connections with the Kurds and Druze in Syria.
Looking ahead to Syria's future, Saar expressed skepticism about the country remaining unified under a single government with full control over its territory. He suggested that autonomy for various minority groups in Syria, possibly through a federal structure, could be a more viable approach.
