Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Syria’s new regime, after the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. Speaking in a video address on Tuesday, Netanyahu stressed that while Israel has “no intention of interfering” in Syria’s internal affairs, it will take “necessary measures” to safeguard its security and prevent threats from emerging across its borders.
“If the new regime in Syria allows Iran to re-establish itself, or allows the transfer of Iranian weapons to Hezbollah – we will respond forcefully, and we will exact a heavy price,” Netanyahu said. “What happened to the previous regime will also happen to this one.”
Netanyahu confirmed that Israel’s Air Force conducted strikes against key Syrian military assets to prevent them from falling into the hands of jihadi militants. Drawing historical parallels, he compared the strikes to the British Air Force bombing the fleet of the Vichy regime during World War II to prevent it from aiding the Nazis.
“We want to have relations with the new regime in Syria,” he emphasized. “However, if this regime facilitates Iranian entrenchment, transfers weapons to Hezbollah, or attacks us, our response will be decisive.”
‘Historic day’
On Sunday, Syrian rebels entered Damascus, forcing President Assad to flee and ending his two-decade rule. Netanyahu hailed the development as a “historic day” for the Middle East, calling it a moment of both great opportunity and significant danger.
“This is a historic day for the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but is fraught with significant dangers,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on social media. “We extend a hand of peace to all those beyond our border in Syria: to the Druze, to the Kurds, to the Christians, and to the Muslims who want to live in peace with Israel.”
Strategic measures to secure borders
As the Syrian Army abandoned its positions, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to secure areas near the Israeli border to prevent hostile forces from establishing a presence. He highlighted the collapse of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria, which had maintained stability for 50 years.
“This collapse is a direct result of our forceful action against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad’s main supporters,” Netanyahu said. “It set off a chain reaction of all those who want to free themselves from this tyranny. But it also means we must act against potential threats near our borders.”
Syrian opposition’s response
Hadi al-Bahra, the head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, confirmed on Sunday that Damascus is now “without Bashar al-Assad.” The opposition leader did not comment on Netanyahu’s statements but highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Syria’s transition.
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