During a visit to Israeli troops on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel was nearing the downfall of Iran’s Islamic Republic amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel still had tasks ahead, the primary goal was to dismantle what he termed as Iran’s “terror regime.” He expressed confidence that Iran’s extensive network of regional allies would eventually disintegrate.
Netanyahu’s visit coincided with that of Defence Minister Israel Katz, as Israeli forces have maintained their positions in southern Syria following the ousting of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. These forces are stationed in areas formerly part of a UN-monitored buffer zone that separated Israeli and Syrian forces near the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s stance against allowing what he called a terrorist military presence to establish itself along the nation’s borders.
Since Assad’s removal, Israel has launched numerous strikes within Syria and has repeatedly deployed forces into Syrian territories. The Syrian government has condemned Israel’s military actions as a breach of Syria’s sovereignty. However, Israel maintains that its actions are necessary to uphold a security zone and is advocating for an expanded demilitarized area in southern Syria.
Netanyahu’s latest comments on Iran come amidst a broader conflict involving Tehran and Washington, centered around the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This confrontation has seen both parties engaging in attacks as part of the ongoing Middle East tensions.