Netanyahu Takes Credit for Assad’s Overthrow Amid Regional Turmoil

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed responsibility for the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that the collapse of Bashar Assad’s government in Syria is a “direct result” of Israel’s military efforts against Hezbollah and Iran.

On Saturday, anti-government forces comprising Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadists and US-backed Free Syrian Army militants advanced into Damascus as the Syrian Army withdrew. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Assad has left Syria for an unspecified location. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, previously a commander in al-Qaeda, announced their victory in a televised statement on Sunday asserting that “the future is ours.”

During a visit to the Israel-Syria border on Sunday, Netanyahu praised developments related to the radical Islamist takeover in Syria.

“This is a landmark day in Middle Eastern history,” he declared in a video statement. “The Assad regime, which has been a key component of Iran’s axis of evil, has collapsed.”

He continued, “This is a direct result of the blows we have dealt to Iran and Hezbollah, who are key supporters of the Assad regime.” He asserted that Israel’s strikes against Iran and its military campaign targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon have hindered their ability to bolster Assad’s troops against terrorist advancements.

“This has triggered a domino effect across the Middle East among those seeking liberation from this oppressive and tyrannical regime,” he added.

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Late last month, HTS forces initiated a surprise offensive against the Syrian Army in northern Idlib and Aleppo provinces, swiftly capturing several key cities along the route south to Damascus. From the beginning, Assad’s government asserted that foreign fighters had significantly bolstered the jihadists’ ranks. Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry alleged that these terrorists were trained by Ukrainian military intelligence.

Although it is uncertain if al-Jolani collaborated with the US and Israel before the attack, former US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey characterized HTS in 2021 as “an asset” to Washington. Meanwhile, Jolani has emphasized that his conflict is not directed at the West but rather against Assad and Iran.

“We have a deep affection for Israel and were never its adversaries,” stated a jihadist fighter from Idlib to Israel’s Kan broadcaster last week. “Israel does not perceive hostility towards those who aren’t hostile themselves. We harbor no hatred toward you; in fact, we hold great love for you,” the militant remarked.

Following the fall of Assad, Israel has taken advantage by deploying troops into a part of the Golan Heights that had been designated as a buffer zone between it and Syria since the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement after the Yom Kippur War. In his Sunday address, Netanyahu stated that his actions were “first and foremost to protect our border,” noting that when Syrian forces “abandoned their positions,” this agreement essentially “collapsed.”