Defense Minister: Now is the time to drive Iran out of Syria

“If we do not act today and take advantage of the window of opportunity, in the more distant future, the risk will be greater,” Bennett said.

By World Israel News Staff

In a closed-door meeting, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel should take advantage of the opportunity to end the Iranian military presence in Syria, reports Israel Hayom.

“We need to be more active and act against all aspects of the Iranian military presence in Syria, as well as in other countries in the region,” Bennett said, according to the report.

“If we do not act today and take advantage of the window of opportunity, in the more distant future the risk will be greater, and they will paralyze us because of the military capability that is going to develop. More offensive military action alongside increased U.S. economic sanctions and political pressure – these are the things that could get Iran out of Syria,” he said.

Bennett argued that the reward is worth the risk of Iranian counter-attacks because the frail regime isn’t in the position to maintain a long, drawn-out fight.

On Monday, Bennett was present during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security briefing with the Northern Command’s senior military officers.

During the meeting, Bennett said that Iran should give up its relentless pursuit to destroy Israel and focus on the well-being of its citizens instead.

“Our message to those Iranian terror forces in Syria: You have nothing to look for here, you have nothing to try to establish. Whatever you try to do here – you will encounter a strong, determined IDF that will harm you,” he stated.