Netanyahu Surveys Syrian Heights, Says Iran Defeat Is Near

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare visit to the Syrian side of the Golan Heights on Wednesday, standing atop Mount Hermon to underscore Israel's military position in the region. During the visit, he declared that Israel's primary objective remains the defeat of what he termed the "terrorist regime" in Iran, asserting that the goal is "very close."

Speaking from the strategic peak, Netanyahu pointed out Damascus, Lebanon, and the Syrian Golan Heights, claiming that Israel now holds "absolute control" over a vast area stretching from the mountain's summit to the Yarmouk River and across to the Mediterranean Sea. He described this as an unprecedented level of control.

The Prime Minister also reiterated Israel's security policy, stating that his country "will not allow any terrorist army to establish itself on our border." He framed the ongoing operations as part of the "War of Resurrection," adding that more work remains to be done from these heights to ensure the entire hostile axis falls.

Netanyahu was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and was seen being briefed by military officials while surrounded by soldiers. The visit comes more than a year after the fall of Bashar Assad's government in December 2024. Since that regime change, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes across Syria, primarily targeting former Syrian army assets to prevent them from falling into the hands of successor forces.