Netanyahu Hails Regime Change in Syria, Impact on Israel and Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed credit for the chain of events that led to the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, describing it as an “historic day.” This development comes as Syrian rebels, taking advantage of the exhaustion of Hezbollah and Iran, as well as Russia‘s preoccupation with the conflict in Ukraine, have driven south and taken control of the capital.

The regime change in Syria has significant implications for the region, particularly for Israel. Netanyahu suggested that this shift could help advance negotiations for the release of hostages held in Gaza. Mediated negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian terror group Hamas have reportedly advanced, with the sides now discussing lists of those who would be released as part of a potential ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

US President-elect Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation, expressing skepticism about the number of captives still alive. The fall of Assad’s regime and its potential impact on regional dynamics, including the buffer zone between Israel and Syria, are being closely monitored. The buffer zone, established in 1974 following the Yom Kippur War, was designed to prevent further conflict between Israeli and Syrian forces.

The strategic landscape in the region is further complicated by Israel’s control and annexation of the Golan Heights, which it captured in 1967 and annexed in 1981. The international community, except for the US during the Trump administration, does not recognize Israel’s annexation of this territory. The future of the Golan Heights and its strategic importance are now under renewed scrutiny given the uncertain future of Syria.