Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s stance on the Syrian conflict, asserting that the nation has “no interest” in engaging in direct conflict with Syria’s government. Speaking on Sunday, Netanyahu outlined Israel’s ongoing military operations, territorial policies, and broader strategy for countering threats in the region, particularly from Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah.
While emphasizing Israel’s reluctance to enter a direct conflict with Syria, Netanyahu underscored that military operations will persist to safeguard Israeli security interests.
Israel’s Policy on Syria: A Balancing Act
In his statement, Netanyahu reflected on Syria’s historical hostility toward Israel, describing it as an “active enemy state” that repeatedly attacked Israel over the decades. He criticized former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for facilitating Iranian influence and arming Hezbollah through Syrian territory.
“Syria allowed others to attack us from its territory. It allowed Iran to arm Hezbollah through its territory,” Netanyahu stated.
Despite these challenges, Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli policies toward Syria would be determined by the “reality on the ground,” signaling a pragmatic approach to addressing regional threats without escalating into full-scale war.
Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes and Operations in Syria
Netanyahu’s comments followed an intense night of Israeli airstrikes across Syria, part of a broader campaign to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities and disrupt Iranian arms transfers. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israel has carried out approximately 473 airstrikes in Syria since December 8.
Netanyahu highlighted the success of these operations:
“Over the course of several days, we have destroyed the capabilities that the Assad regime took decades to build. We have also struck the weapons supply routes through Syria to Hezbollah.”
These strikes are part of Israel’s preemptive strategy to neutralize threats before they reach its borders. Netanyahu explained that he and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prevent terrorist groups from establishing control near Israel’s northern border.
A Message to Iran and Hezbollah
Netanyahu’s remarks included a stern warning to Iran and Hezbollah, reiterating Israel’s commitment to preventing these adversaries from gaining a foothold near its borders.
“I unequivocally declare to Hezbollah and to Iran: In order to prevent you from attacking us, we will continue to take action against you as necessary, in every arena and at all times.”
This declaration reflects Israel’s multi-pronged strategy to counter Iran’s influence in the region, which includes targeting weapons convoys, disrupting military infrastructure, and maintaining a buffer zone along the Syrian border as established under the 1974 peace agreement.
Golan Heights: Expansion and Long-Term Plans
Netanyahu also announced plans to expand Israeli territory in the Golan Heights, a strategically significant region captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed by Israel in 1981. While most of the international community recognizes the Golan Heights as Syrian territory, the United States recognized Israeli sovereignty over the region in 2019.
Netanyahu outlined Israel’s vision for the Golan Heights:
“We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it.”
The Golan Heights’ geographic location provides Israel with a commanding view of Damascus and serves as a critical buffer against potential military threats from Syria and its allies. Israel’s investment in the region reflects its commitment to maintaining control over this territory despite international criticism.
A Broader Strategy for Regional Security
Netanyahu’s approach to Syria forms part of a broader strategy to address regional threats while minimizing the risk of direct confrontation. This strategy includes:
- Targeted Military Strikes:
Israel’s airstrikes focus on degrading Iranian and Hezbollah military capabilities, particularly weapons supply routes and infrastructure. - Territorial Control:
The Golan Heights remains central to Israel’s security framework, offering a strategic advantage against threats emanating from Syria. - Diplomatic Pragmatism:
By avoiding outright conflict with Syria’s government, Israel seeks to balance its security interests with the need to avoid regional escalation. - Preemptive Defense Measures:
The establishment of buffer zones and the deployment of advanced military assets along the northern border aim to prevent hostile elements from gaining proximity to Israeli territory.
International Reactions and Challenges
Israel’s actions in Syria and its expansion in the Golan Heights have drawn mixed reactions from the international community.
Support from Allies
The United States has consistently backed Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, with Washington emphasizing the region’s strategic importance to Israel’s security.
Criticism from Syria and Allies
Syria and its allies, including Russia and Iran, have condemned Israeli airstrikes and territorial policies, viewing them as violations of Syrian sovereignty. These criticisms are unlikely to deter Israel, given its focus on maintaining strategic security advantages.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Security and Diplomacy
Netanyahu’s recent statements highlight the complexities of Israel’s security landscape and its determination to protect its citizens from regional threats. By maintaining a proactive defense strategy while avoiding direct conflict with Syria, Israel aims to strike a balance between addressing immediate security concerns and preserving regional stability.
As tensions persist, Israel’s policies will remain under international scrutiny, particularly regarding its military actions in Syria and its territorial expansion in the Golan Heights. However, Netanyahu’s government appears resolute in its commitment to securing Israel’s borders and countering Iranian influence in the region.
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