PM suggests future Israel–Syria deal only if Assad abandons terror allies and accepts Israeli security dominance.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked intense regional speculation after hinting that Israel could potentially reach an agreement with Syria, but only under conditions that firmly secure Israel’s strategic and security interests.
Speaking in a closed-door political discussion, Netanyahu reportedly suggested that Syria’s long-term isolation and internal instability may open a narrow diplomatic window, provided the Assad regime distances itself from Iran, Hezbollah, and other terror entities entrenched on Syrian soil.
According to senior political sources, Netanyahu stressed that Israel will not tolerate any arrangement that leaves Iranian militias, Hezbollah operatives, or Iranian weapons factories operating freely in Syria. Any future understanding would require a full rollback of terror infrastructure, an unprecedented demand Assad has so far refused.
Netanyahu framed the possibility not as a concession, but as a demonstration of Israel’s dominant regional position, especially following years of successful operations against Iranian entrenchment and the neutralization of advanced weapon transfers through Syrian territory.
Israeli officials emphasize that Damascus is under heavy pressure — economically devastated, diplomatically isolated, and dependent on foreign militias — making Assad potentially more receptive than ever to terms that previously would have been unthinkable.
Analysts believe Netanyahu’s message was twofold:
- Warning to Assad: Israel will continue striking Iranian and Hezbollah targets unless Syria changes course.
- Message to the region: Israel holds the diplomatic initiative, not the Tehran-Damascus-Hezbollah axis.
Israeli security sources remain cautious, noting that Syria has repeatedly proven unreliable and continues to serve as a conduit for Iranian aggression. Still, the very fact that the Prime Minister publicly hinted at the possibility of a future agreement underscores Israel’s confidence, leverage, and strategic momentum.
Whether Assad’s regime is capable — or willing — to distance itself from Iran and regional terror groups remains doubtful, but Israel has made one point clear: any agreement will happen only on Israeli terms, from a position of overwhelming strength.
