Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is looking toward a new strategic horizon, one that includes a peaceful northern border with both Lebanon and Syria. On Sunday, he told his cabinet that this previously “unimagined” vision has become a tangible possibility because of Israel’s recent military campaign against Hezbollah.
The horizon with Syria has cleared dramatically since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The fog of war that has defined the relationship for decades has lifted, allowing for direct peace negotiations. A Syrian official has even suggested that a final security agreement could be signed by the end of 2025.
The view toward Lebanon is still hazy, but patches of blue sky are appearing. While Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets, the Lebanese government is taking its first serious steps to disarm the militia. This move, long awaited by the international community, is essential for a lasting peace.
Netanyahu painted this picture of a new horizon for his ministers. “Our victories… have opened a window for… peace,” he stated, framing the war as the necessary storm that cleared the air. He confirmed that talks with Syria are making “some progress” toward this new reality.
This vision is being pursued with concrete actions. The new Syrian government is negotiating a deal centered on a demilitarized buffer zone. The Lebanese government has committed to a timeline to begin disarming Hezbollah near the Israeli border. These are the first steps toward a fundamentally different and more peaceful strategic horizon.