Following the reported exile of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the subsequent rebel takeover of Damascus, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the public, characterizing the event as a pivotal moment for the Middle East. He attributed Assad's downfall to Israeli actions against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad's primary allies, suggesting these actions triggered a cascade of events leading to the regime's collapse.

While acknowledging the potential for positive change, Netanyahu also cautioned about the inherent risks. He highlighted the immediate security concerns arising from the Syrian army's abandonment of positions near the Israeli border. In response, the Israel Defense Forces were instructed to secure these locations as a precautionary measure until a more permanent solution is established. This action, according to Netanyahu, was necessitated by the collapse of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.

Netanyahu extended an offer of peace to various groups within Syria, including Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who seek peaceful coexistence with Israel. He emphasized Israel's commitment to closely monitoring the unfolding situation and pursuing peaceful relations with emerging powers in Syria. However, he firmly stated Israel's resolve to defend its borders and national interests if necessary.