Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the Golan Heights would “forever be an integral part of Israel” during a press conference following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.

Netanyahu highlighted the billions spent by Iran to support Assad and described Syria as a “pipeline for weapons” from Iran to Hezbollah. He emphasized the strategic importance of Israeli control over the Golan Heights, asserting it guarantees the nation’s security and sovereignty.

Claiming Israel has systematically dismantled the Iranian axis since October 2023, Netanyahu said, “Whoever cooperates with us will gain; whoever attacks us will lose.” He also stated that isolating Hamas after Assad’s fall could facilitate progress in securing the release of Israeli hostages.