The recent announcement by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz regarding the successful destruction of the Syrian fleet after a series of intense Israeli raids since last Sunday has sparked strong reactions. During a visit to the Haifa naval base, accompanied by Israeli Navy Commander-in-Chief David Saar Salama, Katz stressed the strategic impact of this operation.
During his visit, the minister was briefed on the ongoing operations carried out by the Israeli Navy to dismantle the Syrian fleet using missile ships. Katz said: “The Israeli army has been working in Syria in recent days to neutralize the strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel.”
Addressing the armed factions that toppled the Bashar al-Assad regime, Katz issued a warning: “I warn the leaders of the rebels in Syria: whoever follows the path of Assad will end up like him.”
He added: “We will not allow an extremist entity to attack Israel outside its borders and endanger its citizens. We will take all necessary measures to eliminate the threat.”
Together with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Katz ordered the Israeli army to establish a sterile protection zone against weapons and terrorist threats in southern Syria, without a permanent Israeli presence.
This decision aims to prevent the establishment of a terrorist organization in Syria and to avoid a situation similar to that of Lebanon and Gaza before October 7. Katz stressed that any threat to Israel would be fought firmly.
In conclusion, Israel’s defense policy towards Syria underscores the government’s determination to ensure the security of its citizens. Maintaining a secure zone on the borders aims to prevent potential threats and protect the border regions. Maintaining this delicate balance between defense and deterrence represents a constant challenge for Israel in a region plagued by instability.