"We Are Very Close".. Netanyahu Reiterates Threat to Overthrow Iranian Regime

From southern Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his conviction that Iran and its regional axis of allies are on the brink of collapse.

This came as tensions between the United States and Iran escalated anew in the Middle East, with Netanyahu’s statements following previous assertions about preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and preparing for an independent Israeli move.

"Very Close"

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a visit to his troops in southern Syria that Iran and its regional axis of allies are on the verge of collapse.

Netanyahu was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz at the Syrian side of Mount Hermon near the Israel-Syria border when he stated: "There is still work to be done, and the main mission is overthrowing the terrorist regime in Iran. We are very close to achieving this, and we know the entire axis will collapse in the end."

Israeli forces have been stationed in what they consider an "area of security" in southern Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024.

The Israeli forces control what was previously a buffer zone monitored by a UN peacekeeping force, separating Israeli and Syrian troops in the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967.

Netanyahu repeated on Wednesday: "We will not allow any terrorist army to be stationed at our borders."

Earlier, Katz visited Israeli forces stationed in southern Syria two weeks prior, a move condemned by Damascus, which described it as a "flagrant violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Since Assad’s fall, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Syria and conducted repeated incursions into Syrian territory.

Israeli officials have repeatedly pledged to maintain their presence in the security zone, where Israel aims to establish a broader demilitarized area.

US-Iran Escalation

Netanyahu’s remarks coincided with a new escalation between the United States and Iran, as fires broke out on several ships in the Gulf on Wednesday after Iran announced it had targeted 20 vessels, including two American ships and eight oil tankers.

The escalation pushed crude oil prices above the $100 per barrel threshold for the first time since July.

Tehran justified its attacks as retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers, reiterating warnings to Washington against continuing its operations.

Background: Netanyahu and the Iranian Nuclear File

Netanyahu’s latest statements come weeks after he affirmed on August 9 that Iran would not possess nuclear weapons, regardless of whether an agreement is reached.

He said then: "Whether or not an agreement is reached, as long as I am prime minister, Iran will not have nuclear weapons."

These remarks came at a time when Israel was on high alert in anticipation of a potential U.S. attack on Iran, amid calls for a direct strike on Tehran.

Israel’s Readiness for Independent Action

At the time, Israel’s Channel 13 reported that the Israeli military was preparing to act independently in Iran, noting continued readiness for possible unilateral action.

In recent months, Israel had announced the preparation of a target list in Iran intended for attack.

Israeli sources at the time indicated that an Israeli move could occur if Iran attacked Israel directly, or if the United States requested Israel to carry out the strike; Israeli officials confirmed their readiness to attack Iran independently should Tehran launch an attack on Israel.

Israeli assessments suggested that the U.S. is leading the campaign, while Israel remains on high alert and will only join if the U.S. administration desires it or if Tehran provides a reason for action.