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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video statement released on Sunday, described the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime as a pivotal moment for the region, calling it a “historic day for the Middle East.” While expressing optimism over emerging opportunities, he also warned of potential risks stemming from the development.
“This collapse is the direct result of our forceful action against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad’s main supporters,” Netanyahu said, crediting Israeli efforts for sparking what he termed a “chain reaction” among those seeking liberation from Assad’s authoritarian rule.
1974 Separation of Forces Agreement Collapses
Netanyahu emphasized that the situation has already impacted long-standing agreements, notably the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.
“The Syrian army abandoned its positions. We gave the Israeli army the order to take over these positions to ensure that no hostile force embeds itself right next to the border of Israel,” he announced. This maneuver, he clarified, is a “temporary defensive position” until a more permanent solution can be arranged.
The collapse of the 1974 agreement, which maintained relative stability along the Israel-Syria border for five decades, marks a significant shift in the regional security dynamic.
Outreach for Peace Amid Caution
While asserting Israel’s commitment to defending its borders, Netanyahu extended an invitation for peaceful coexistence to various communities within Syria, including the Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims.
“If we can establish neighborly relations and peaceful relations with the new forces emerging in Syria, that’s our desire,” Netanyahu said. “But if we do not, we will do whatever it takes to defend the State of Israel and the border of Israel.”
Broader Regional Implications
The collapse of Assad’s regime has created a power vacuum in Syria, raising questions about the future of the fractured nation and the balance of power in the Middle East. Analysts warn of the potential for heightened instability as various factions vie for control, with regional and global powers likely to recalibrate their strategies.