During a visit to troops on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is on the brink of toppling Iran’s Islamic Republic. This statement comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Netanyahu emphasized that dismantling Iran’s “terror regime” remains Israel’s main objective. He also expressed confidence that Iran’s network of regional allies would eventually disband.
Netanyahu was accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz during his visit. Since the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israeli forces have held positions in southern Syria. These forces are located in areas that were previously part of a United Nations buffer zone, which separated Israeli and Syrian troops near the Golan Heights, an area occupied by Israel. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel is committed to preventing a terrorist army from establishing itself along its border.
Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Syria since Assad’s regime collapsed and has frequently deployed forces into Syrian territory. The Syrian government has denounced Israel’s military presence as an infringement on its sovereignty, while Israel maintains that its actions are necessary for security. The Israeli government is also seeking to establish a larger demilitarized zone in southern Syria.
Netanyahu’s recent comments regarding Iran occur against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities between Tehran and Washington over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Both nations have been involved in a series of retaliatory attacks as the conflict in the Middle East continues to unfold.