Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated claims that Iran’s Islamic republic is on the brink of collapse during a Wednesday visit to Israeli forces stationed in southern Syria. Speaking alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz on the Syrian slopes of Mount Hermon, Netanyahu stated that while significant work remains, the primary objective of toppling what he termed the “terror regime” in Iran is within reach.
“We know that the entire axis will ultimately collapse,” Netanyahu said, referring to the network of Iran-backed armed groups across the region. This statement comes as fighting in the six-month-long Middle East conflict continues to escalate, including recent attacks on tankers in the region.
Israel has maintained a military presence in southern Syria since December 2024, following the fall of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad. Troops occupy a former United Nations-buffered zone that historically separated Israeli and Syrian forces in the occupied Golan Heights since 1974. Netanyahu reaffirmed on Wednesday that Israel would not permit a “terrorist army” to establish itself along its border.
The cross-border trip elicited strong rebukes from Damascus. The Syrian foreign ministry condemned the move as an inflammatory act and a clear violation of international law and Syrian sovereignty. It specifically cited Netanyahu’s tour of Mount Hermon as a provocative entry into Syrian territory.
During the visit, Defence Minister Israel Katz delivered a video message addressed to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, filmed at the summit. Katz vowed that Israeli troops would not withdraw from the security zone, which lies approximately 35 kilometres from Damascus.
“We are here sending a very strong and clear message… we are not moving from here,” Katz said. He also issued a direct threat to Iran, stating that Israel had struck the country twice and would hit it a third time if necessary to counter ongoing threats.
This marks the third time Netanyahu has visited troops in the area, having previously done so in December 2024 shortly after the initial occupation and again in November 2025. Katz also inspected the troops two weeks prior, which similarly drew condemnation from Syria.
Under the previous Assad regime, Syria was a key ally of Tehran and hosted pro-Iranian paramilitary groups. However, that alliance ended with Bashar al-Assad’s downfall. Since Islamist leaders took power, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria and repeatedly entered Syrian territory, with officials vowing to maintain a demilitarised buffer zone.
Mount Hermon was already occupied since 1967. Calling this a ‘sovereignty breach’ feels like selective outrage to me.
Syria has had governments fall and rise before. Does anyone actually believe Israel is just ‘sending a message’?
Did he just say Iran is collapsing while literally standing on Syrian soil? The geopolitical messaging here is incredibly reckless.
A breach of sovereignty is a breach of sovereignty, regardless of who is in charge in Damascus. This escalation is terrifying.