Netanyahu Celebrates the Fall of Assad's Regime and Reflects on Israel's Strategic Position

A new chapter has begun in the Middle East following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday in his first press conference in 99 days. Addressing reporters in Jerusalem, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is successfully defeating its enemies "step by step" in what he called a "war of existence" that was forced upon the nation.

The stunning collapse of Assad's regime came after Syrian rebels took control of Damascus in a swift, two-week offensive, ending 13 years of civil war and over 50 years of Assad family rule. Netanyahu linked Assad’s fall to the broader geopolitical struggle, highlighting Syria's role as a central player in Iran's "axis of evil" and noting Iran’s significant investment in keeping Assad in power.

Netanyahu condemned the brutality of Assad’s regime, which he claimed massacred hundreds of thousands of its own citizens and fostered animosity toward Israel. He pointed to Syria's involvement in the 1973 Yom Kippur War and its ongoing support for Iran-backed terrorist groups like Hezbollah. Israel’s military actions have targeted these forces, and Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel’s presence in the Golan Heights remains critical for the nation's security.

"We will not allow anyone to challenge our sovereignty in the Golan," Netanyahu declared, adding that Israel's hold on the region ensures its defense. He thanked U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019, emphasizing that it will remain an inseparable part of Israel.

Netanyahu also took the opportunity to reflect on Israel’s broader military campaign against Iran and its proxies, particularly Hamas and Hezbollah. He reiterated that Assad’s fall was a direct consequence of Israel’s strategic strikes against these groups. The prime minister asserted that Israel’s actions, particularly since the October 7 Hamas attacks, have systematically dismantled Iran's influence in the region.

Addressing Hezbollah, Netanyahu pointed to the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, as a critical blow to the Iran-Syria-Hezbollah axis. “Nasrallah is no longer with us, and the axis is not what it was,” he stated, underscoring that Israel has been "taking it apart step by step."

In the aftermath of Nasrallah's death, Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah has intensified, with the military launching airstrikes on Hezbollah positions and a ground incursion into southern Lebanon. Despite a ceasefire agreed in late November, Israeli forces have continued to target Hezbollah operatives in the region.

Turning to the wider context, Netanyahu described Israel’s multi-front war as successful due to three key factors: the bravery of Israeli soldiers, the resilience of the homefront, and his own government's refusal to back down from its objectives. "We resisted the pressure to stop before our goals were met," he said, asserting that Israel's strategy of dismantling the Iranian axis is now nearing completion.

On the issue of hostages, Netanyahu noted that the fall of Assad's regime has further isolated Hamas. He emphasized that the terror group can no longer count on support from Hezbollah, Iran, or the Assad regime. This isolation opens new opportunities for progress in negotiations to bring Israeli hostages back from Gaza. Netanyahu promised that every effort is being made to secure the release of the 96 hostages still held by Hamas.

As the press conference concluded, Netanyahu expressed confidence in Israel’s future, stating, "We were here before our enemies, and we will be here after our enemies."