Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday his desire to establish diplomatic ties with Syria’s new government following the removal of Bashar al-Assad, but warned of forceful retaliation if Syria poses a threat to Israel.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated Israel’s aim to have relations with the new Syrian regime. However, he stressed that any resurgence of Iranian influence in Syria, the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah, or attacks against Israel would trigger a strong response and severe consequences.
He warned that the new regime would face the same fate as its predecessor if these conditions were not met.
The future of Syria’s government and its composition remain uncertain following rebel control of Damascus.
Following large-scale Israeli airstrikes overnight Monday targeting Syrian military assets, including two naval ports (Al-Bayda and Latakia), the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Tuesday that over 350 air strikes were conducted by manned aircraft, totaling hundreds of flight hours. Targets included anti-aircraft batteries, airfields, and numerous weapons depots in several Syrian cities, containing advanced weaponry such as missiles and UAVs.
Netanyahu drew a parallel between these strikes and Britain’s World War II actions against the French fleet at Mers-el-Kébir.
While the extent of casualties from the Israeli strikes remains unclear, the United Nations condemned the attacks and Israel’s military incursions beyond the Golan Heights.
U.N. Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for an end to Israeli attacks and conflicts in northeast Syria.
International criticism arose following Israel’s deployment of troops beyond the Golan Heights, a territory Israel seized in 1967, but which remains internationally recognized as Syrian (although the U.S. recognizes Israeli sovereignty).
U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed opposition to these attacks, emphasizing the need for Syria’s neighbors to respect its territorial integrity.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s position, stating that while they have no intention of interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, they will act decisively to safeguard their security interests.