"Our victories in Lebanon against Hezbollah have opened up previously unthinkable possibilities, namely the opportunity for peace with our northern neighbors," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting today.

He added that Israel is in contact with Syria and has made some progress, but noted that peace agreements with its neighbor "are still a future prospect."

Syrian and Lebanese officials have not yet commented.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks on 15/9. Photo: AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks on 15/9. Photo: AFP

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria since the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government in 12/2024. They control most of the demilitarized zone on the Syrian side, which is patrolled by the United Nations. Israeli forces have also repeatedly sent ground troops into southern Syria to conduct operations to destroy weapons caches.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on 17/9 that his country is negotiating a security agreement with Israel that could soon yield results "in the coming days." He stressed that this agreement is "urgent" for Damascus, including conditions respecting Syria's airspace and territorial integrity, and monitored by the UN.

In August, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that Israel is willing to gradually reduce its military presence in southern Lebanon if its neighbor commits to disarming Hezbollah, aiming "towards a more secure and stable future for both countries."

The locations of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Graphic: AFP

The locations of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Graphic: AFP

Since the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah ended in 11/2024 with a US-brokered ceasefire, the Lebanese armed group has repeatedly stated it will not discuss disarmament unless Israel withdraws its troops first and ends the almost daily airstrikes.

Thanh Danh (Reuters, Times of Israel)