Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently addressed the media, stating that the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria marks a significant turning point in the Middle East. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's role in weakening Hezbollah and Iran, key supporters of the Assad government, which ultimately led to the regime's collapse.
Netanyahu highlighted the importance of eliminating Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in weakening Iran's Axis of Resistance, a coalition of allied states and militias. While acknowledging that the axis has not been fully defeated, Netanyahu asserted that Israel is actively reshaping the region.
During the news conference, Netanyahu emphasized Israel's commitment to ensuring its security by maintaining control over the occupied Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. He reaffirmed that the Golan Heights will remain an integral part of the Israeli state.
Furthermore, Netanyahu announced that the Israeli military has taken control of the buffer zone separating the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from the rest of Syria. The Defense Minister's office confirmed Israel's capture of the Syrian side of Mt. Hermon, a strategic high point on the border between Syria, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights.
Israel is now calling for the completion of its takeover of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights and the establishment of a security zone in Syrian territory beyond it. This proposed security zone aims to be free of heavy strategic weapons and terrorist infrastructures, further solidifying Israel's presence in the region.
