Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reframed Israel’s posture from defensive to offensive, not for war, but for peace. On Sunday, he claimed that the successful military initiative against Hezbollah has allowed Israel to seize the diplomatic initiative, leading to active peace talks with Syria and creating new possibilities with Lebanon.
This peace offensive is most evident with Syria. After decades of reacting to threats from Damascus, Israel is now proactively engaging with the new Syrian government. A Syrian official has confirmed that these direct talks are aimed at producing a comprehensive security agreement by the end of the year.
In Lebanon, the initiative involves keeping Hezbollah off-balance with continued military strikes. This creates the political space for the Lebanese government, with U.S. encouragement, to seize its own initiative and begin the process of disarming the militia, thereby reclaiming its national sovereignty.
“Our victories… have opened a window for… peace,” Netanyahu stated, explaining how military success has enabled this new, proactive diplomatic stance. He confirmed that by seizing the initiative, Israel has already made “some progress” in its negotiations with Syria.
This diplomatic offensive is securing real ground. The potential for a demilitarized zone in Syria is a major strategic gain. Lebanon’s commitment to disarming Hezbollah in the south would be a landmark achievement. By going on the offensive for peace, Israel is actively shaping its future security.
