Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed having a “very warm” phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday evening. The leaders discussed the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel’s approach to Syria, and regional security concerns. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s interest in maintaining neutrality in other nations’ conflicts but affirmed that policies would adapt to ground realities.

The phone call coincided with significant developments in Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year regime fell to rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). With Damascus and most of Syria under rebel control, Syrians celebrated the end of what many termed a brutal dictatorship.

Following the regime's collapse, Israeli forces moved into the long-standing buffer zone separating Israel and Syria, a decision met with criticism from Syrian rebels and neighboring countries. Israel clarified the move as temporary, reiterating that it had no intention of interfering in Syria’s internal affairs.

Netanyahu, however, pointed out Syria’s role in allowing Iran to supply weapons to Hezbollah, vowing to prevent the militant group from rearming. "We will act against Hezbollah and Iran wherever necessary to protect our security," Netanyahu declared.

This follows a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah after a 13-month border conflict with Lebanon that claimed the lives of several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders. While tensions appear to be easing, Netanyahu’s statements underscore Israel’s readiness to act decisively against perceived threats in the region.