**Netanyahu Threatens Iran During Visit to Occupied Syrian Territory**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a bold statement regarding Iran's influence in the region during a visit to Israeli troops stationed on Mount Hermon, a strategic location in the Golan Heights that Israel seized from Syria. Accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, Netanyahu expressed confidence in Israel's military capabilities and its ongoing operations against what he termed the "terrorist regime" in Iran.
During his visit on Wednesday, Netanyahu emphasized Israel's control over the surrounding areas, stating, “Damascus is right here, Lebanon is right there, the Syrian Golan Heights are right there.” He claimed that Israel exercises “absolute control the likes of which has never been seen before” and reiterated his commitment to preventing any “terrorist army” from establishing itself along the border.
In a video released by his office, Netanyahu declared, “From these peaks, there is still work to do: The main task is to defeat the terrorist regime in Iran. We are very close to it. We know that the entire axis will ultimately fall. We are committed to doing this, and we will do it.”
The visit comes amid rising tensions in the region, particularly concerning Iran's influence in Syria and its support for militant groups. Netanyahu's remarks indicate a continued Israeli focus on countering Iranian activities, which Israel views as a direct threat to its national security.
Syria's response to Netanyahu's visit was swift and critical. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the trip as an “illegal entry” into its territory, labeling it “provocative” and a “blatant violation” of Syrian sovereignty and international law. The ministry called on the United Nations and other international bodies to intervene and pressure Israel to cease its incursions.
The backdrop of Netanyahu's visit is significant, as Israel has maintained a military presence in the Golan Heights since the 1967 Six-Day War, with further entrenchment following the Syrian civil war and the collapse of President Bashar Assad's government. Israel initially described its military operations in the region as temporary but has since established a more permanent presence. Katz, during the visit, asserted that Israeli troops would not be withdrawing from what he referred to as the “security zone.”
The United Nations has expressed concern over Israel's military actions in Syria. A recent UN commission report characterized Israeli military activity as “increasingly sustained and entrenched,” labeling it a “belligerent occupation.” The report also raised alarms about potential war crimes committed against Syrian civilians. Israel has rejected these findings, maintaining that its operations in Syria are solely for security purposes and that it has no territorial ambitions.
Netanyahu's military strategy in Syria has also drawn criticism from international allies, particularly the United States. Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump urged Netanyahu in July to consider withdrawing Israeli forces from both Syria and Lebanon, suggesting that their continued presence was unwelcome.
As tensions in the region persist, Netanyahu's visit to Mount Hermon underscores Israel's ongoing commitment to countering Iranian influence and securing its borders. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.