Israel Conveys to Trump Its Determination to Address Iranian Threats
Israeli Prime Minister and the US president-elect engage in a phone conversation regarding the situation in Syria and the hostages in Gaza. During the discussion, Netanyahu emphasizes Israel’s commitment to target Iran. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday night, where he emphasized his commitment to taking action against Hezbollah and Iran. The two leaders also addressed the situation in Syria and efforts to facilitate the release of hostages held in Gaza.
”We are committed to preventing Hezbollah from rearming,” Netanyahu stated in a video message quoted by Times of Israel on Sunday. He described the challenge posed by these groups as an ongoing test for Israel, asserting, “this is an ongoing test for Israel, we must meet it – and we will meet it. I say to Hezbollah and Iran in no uncertain terms – to prevent you from harming us, we will continue to act against you as much as necessary, in every arena and at all times.”
Netanyahu referred to the dialogue with Trump as a “very friendly, very warm, and very important conversation” in his video statement.
He also explained that recent airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites were conducted “to thwart the potential threats from Syria and to prevent the takeover of terrorist elements near our border.” “We have no interest in a conflict with Syria,” Netanyahu noted, arguing that the regional dynamics have shifted significantly, stating, “Syria is not the same Syria, Lebanon is not the same Lebanon, Gaza is not the same Gaza, and the leader of the axis – Iran – is not the same Iran.”
Following the takeover of power by militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham in Syria last weekend, Israel initiated a significant operation that reportedly included strikes on weapons stockpiles and naval vessels associated with former president Bashar Assad's army.
Israeli troops are also present in the UN-controlled buffer zone between Israel and Syria, which they describe as a temporary “sterile defense zone” aimed at preventing any “terrorist threat.” Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu announced a decision to expand Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights, stating it was made “in light of the war and the new front facing Syria.”
In a related development, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani called for international intervention in a recent interview, urging the community to “assume its responsibilities towards this escalation.”
The backdrop to these discussions includes the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of over 250 individuals. Israeli officials report that around 100 hostages remain captive. In response to the attack, West Jerusalem launched military operations in Gaza, which, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, have resulted in nearly 45,000 Palestinian deaths.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
”We are committed to preventing Hezbollah from rearming,” Netanyahu stated in a video message quoted by Times of Israel on Sunday. He described the challenge posed by these groups as an ongoing test for Israel, asserting, “this is an ongoing test for Israel, we must meet it – and we will meet it. I say to Hezbollah and Iran in no uncertain terms – to prevent you from harming us, we will continue to act against you as much as necessary, in every arena and at all times.”
Netanyahu referred to the dialogue with Trump as a “very friendly, very warm, and very important conversation” in his video statement.
He also explained that recent airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites were conducted “to thwart the potential threats from Syria and to prevent the takeover of terrorist elements near our border.” “We have no interest in a conflict with Syria,” Netanyahu noted, arguing that the regional dynamics have shifted significantly, stating, “Syria is not the same Syria, Lebanon is not the same Lebanon, Gaza is not the same Gaza, and the leader of the axis – Iran – is not the same Iran.”
Following the takeover of power by militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham in Syria last weekend, Israel initiated a significant operation that reportedly included strikes on weapons stockpiles and naval vessels associated with former president Bashar Assad's army.
Israeli troops are also present in the UN-controlled buffer zone between Israel and Syria, which they describe as a temporary “sterile defense zone” aimed at preventing any “terrorist threat.” Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu announced a decision to expand Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights, stating it was made “in light of the war and the new front facing Syria.”
In a related development, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani called for international intervention in a recent interview, urging the community to “assume its responsibilities towards this escalation.”
The backdrop to these discussions includes the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of over 250 individuals. Israeli officials report that around 100 hostages remain captive. In response to the attack, West Jerusalem launched military operations in Gaza, which, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, have resulted in nearly 45,000 Palestinian deaths.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
