Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a bold “peace offensive,” aiming to convert recent military gains against Hezbollah into lasting diplomatic achievements. On Sunday, he announced that this offensive has opened a front for negotiations with Syria and created a beachhead for a potential settlement with Lebanon.
The main thrust of this offensive is directed at Syria, where the collapse of the Assad regime created a strategic opening. Israel has moved quickly to engage the new government in direct talks, with a Syrian official confirming that they are working to secure a final peace and security agreement by the end of 2025.
In Lebanon, the offensive is more subtle, combining continued military pressure on Hezbollah with strong diplomatic support for the Lebanese state. The goal is to encircle Hezbollah politically, forcing the government to act. This strategy has succeeded, with Beirut now ordering the army to plan the militia’s disarmament.
Netanyahu explained the strategy behind his peace offensive. “Our victories… have opened a window,” he told his cabinet, framing the military campaign as the necessary preparation for this diplomatic push. He confirmed the offensive has made “some progress” on the Syrian front.
This offensive is achieving its objectives. The negotiation of a demilitarized zone in Syria is a major strategic advance. Lebanon’s commitment to disarming Hezbollah in the south would secure another key objective. Netanyahu’s peace offensive is moving forward on multiple fronts.