Israel has witnessed the very rapid fall of the Syrian government’s backed President Bashar al-Assad with caution, hope, and concern. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed it a “historic day” when he said that it is due to Israel’s actions against Assad’s supporters including Iran and Hezbollah that resulted in the ouster of Assad.
Netanyahu has acknowledged new prospects for Israel but has also acknowledged the dangers involved. Readied to prevent spillover crossed through events in Syria, tanks have been stationed by Israel on the border while it stated that it will remain outside the internal frays. There is a ‘good neighborliness’ policy of extending a hand of peace to Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims.
“We will closely follow developments. We will do what is necessary to protect our border and keep our security intact,” he said.
Also Read: World Reacts to Fall of Bashar al Assad
The rapid advance of Syrian rebel forces, immediately after taking Aleppo, adds to the already complex dynamics in the region. While Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, noted that the change warrants a price, vigilance is still needed now.
The Israeli military took control of strategic sites in the buffer zone with Syria, meant for security. “The situation is clearly a double-edged sword for Israel: offers both negatives and positives relating to what happens next in Syria,” noted Dina Lisnyansky, an expert in regional politics.
It’s a crucial time for Israel in making this major strategic shift just in the Middle East business.