After Syria’s Assad was toppled, Netanyahu declares that Israeli forces have secured buffer zone in Golan Heights.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel’s military has taken control of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established many years ago. This action was taken after Syrian opposition fighters ended the long reign of President Bashar al-Assad.
In a video statement released on Sunday morning, Netanyahu mentioned that the agreement made in 1974 between Israel and the former leader Hafez al-Assad’s regime had “collapsed” the night before because the “Syrian army abandoned its positions.”
The reason for Israel’s seizure of the territory is the need to address potential threats arising from the power vacuum left by Assad regime’s collapse. The prime minister stated, “We instructed the Israeli army to take control of these positions to prevent any hostile forces from establishing themselves right next to Israel’s border. This is a temporary defensive measure until a more suitable arrangement is made.”
Netanyahu described Assad’s downfall as a “historic day” for the region, noting that the new situation in Syria presents both opportunities and significant dangers.
His announcement was made from the Golan Heights.
Netanyahu also attributed the collapse of Syria to Israeli actions against Iran and the Hezbollah terrorist group, which had long been allied with Iran and Assad. He mentioned that Iran and pro-Tehran groups had used military bases in Syria, while Israel had conducted airstrikes against those positions over the years.
“It triggered a chain reaction among those who wished to free themselves from this oppression,” Netanyahu remarked.
Israel extends “a hand of peace” to various groups beyond the Syrian border, including the Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who seek peaceful coexistence with Israel. Netanyahu stated, “We will closely monitor the situation and aim for neighborly and peaceful relations with the emerging forces in Syria, if possible.”
“However, if we cannot, we will take all necessary measures to protect Israel and its borders,” he added.
On Sunday, rebel groups and militias, along with the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, claimed to have entered Damascus without encountering any army presence. Witnesses reported that thousands of people gathered in Damascus, waving flags and chanting.
Iran’s embassy in Syria was reportedly stormed by Syrian rebels, as per Iran’s Press TV.
Iran’s foreign ministry emphasized that Syria’s future is the responsibility of its people and should proceed without external interference.
The Syrian rebel coalition continues working to establish a transitional governing body with full executive powers. In a statement, they mentioned that the Syrian revolution is now focused on building a better Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.
The United States had deployed forces in Syria against ISIS approximately ten years ago.
President-elect Donald Trump expressed that America should not intervene in the conflict, attributing Assad’s downfall to Russia’s activities in Ukraine. Russia had maintained troops and military equipment in Syria for years.
Reuters contributed to this report.
