Israel secures buffer zone in Golan Heights after Assad's ousting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces have taken control of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. This follows the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces, marking the end of his family's rule. Netanyahu stated that the collapse of the 1974 ceasefire agreement allowed Israel to secure the area. He attributed this development to Israeli actions against Iran and Hezbollah, Assad's main supporters. The capture of Damascus by Syrian rebels forced Assad to flee, ending over 13 years of civil war. This shift also reduces the influence of Russia and Iran in the region.