Netanyahu Warns: The Presence of the Islamic Republic in Syria Will Face a Firm Response

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, on Tuesday, December 20, issued a video message on the 'X' network warning about the potential cooperation between the new Syrian regime and the Islamic Republic. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is inclined to establish relations with the new regime in Syria, stating, 'If the new regime in Syria allows the Islamic Republic to strengthen its positions again or permits their weapons to be transferred to Hezbollah, we will respond firmly, and they will pay a heavy price.' Bashar al-Assad's government was a key part of what the Iranian government calls the 'Axis of Resistance' in the Middle East, and its fall has significantly weakened the Islamic Republic's regional influence. Netanyahu added, 'We intend to prevent any threats that arise from Syria.' He also mentioned that he has allowed the Israeli Air Force to target the strategic capabilities of the Syrian army. On Tuesday, December 20, Israel acknowledged that its forces have been deployed in several areas outside the 'buffer zone,' but denied any advance towards Damascus. Israel is also conducting airstrikes on the currently dissolved Syrian army bases. Earlier, Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, stated that Israeli forces have attacked 'sites suspected of containing chemical weapons and long-range missiles' to ensure they do not fall into hostile hands. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also emphasized that the transfer process in Syria must end the use of this country as a base for terrorism and ensure that any stockpiles of chemical or biological weapons are safely destroyed. The Telegraph reported an increase in disputes within the Revolutionary Guards following Assad's downfall. Reuters reported, 'The Israeli army has reached 25 kilometers from Damascus'; Israel denied this. The alignment of Assad's opponents and the consequences of his fall for the Iranian government's 'Axis of Resistance' were discussed. Blinken stated that Assad's fall is a defeat for the Islamic Republic, Russia, and Hezbollah. Developments in Syria are under scrutiny by users: 'A deadly blow' to the Islamic Republic. NATO stated that the Iranian government and Russia are complicit in Assad's crimes. Israel's actions aim to block the arms smuggling route from Iran to Lebanon in Syria.