Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad’s two-decade rule in Syria as a “historic day” for the Middle East. He pointed out that while the demise brings new possibilities, it also presents considerable risks. Netanyahu reached out with a “hand of peace” to those in Syria, such as the Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims, who aspire for harmonious coexistence with Israel.
In a video posted on X, Netanyahu remarked, “The fall of the Assad regime, the oppression in Damascus, provides significant opportunities but also comes with major threats. We extend a hand of peace to all those across our border in Syria. ”
Netanyahu revealed that after the Syrian Army vacated its positions, he commanded the Israeli Army to secure these areas to stop hostile forces from gaining a foothold near Israel’s border. “This collapse is a direct consequence of our vigorous actions against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad’s principal backers. It triggered a cascade of reactions from those seeking to liberate themselves from this oppression,” he stated. However, he cautioned that the collapse has made the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria ineffective.
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He asserted that Israel’s actions are defensive and temporary until a stable situation is achieved. “We will monitor developments very closely. If we can establish friendly relations and peaceful interactions with the new forces emerging in Syria, that’s our goal. But if we cannot, we will do whatever is necessary to protect the State of Israel and its borders,” he added.
The situation in Syria intensified as rebels gained control of Damascus, compelling Assad to escape to an undisclosed location, signifying the end of his governance. Hours before, the opposition had captured significant cities, such as Homs and Aleppo. Opposition leader Hadi al-Bahra confirmed Assad’s departure from Damascus, with the armed opposition proclaiming, “The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled. ” The resurgence of Syria’s civil war has resulted in swift advancements by rebel forces.
