Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is claiming that Israel has turned the tables on its northern adversaries and now holds the diplomatic high ground. On Sunday, he argued that the successful military campaign against Hezbollah has forced Syria to the negotiating table and compelled Lebanon to finally confront the powerful militia.
For decades, Syria’s Assad regime held a hardline anti-peace stance. The combination of its ouster and Israel’s military actions has, according to Netanyahu, flipped the dynamic. The new Syrian government is now actively negotiating a peace deal, with one official hoping to finalize it by the year’s end.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah long held the upper hand, operating as a state-within-a-state. Netanyahu’s strategy of continued military pressure, combined with U.S. diplomacy, has forced the Lebanese government to turn the tables internally by ordering the army to plan the group’s disarmament.
“Our victories in Lebanon against Hezbollah have opened a window for… peace,” Netanyahu declared, articulating his view that Israel now has the strategic advantage. He confirmed this advantage has led to “some progress” in talks with Syria.
The evidence for this shift in leverage is mounting. Syria is negotiating a demilitarized zone, a key Israeli demand. Lebanon has committed to disarming Hezbollah in the south, a move that would dramatically improve Israel’s security. By turning the tables, Israel may have paved the way for a more stable north.