The Price of Peace: Netanyahu Argues War Was a Necessary Prelude

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is arguing that war was the necessary price for peace on Israel’s northern border. On Sunday, he contended that the recent military conflict with Hezbollah, while costly, was a strategic success that has created an unprecedented opportunity for peace agreements with Lebanon and Syria.
This argument is buttressed by the dramatic diplomatic opening with Syria. The ouster of Bashar al-Assad, a long-time Israeli foe, has enabled direct talks for the first time in decades. A Syrian official has stated that the goal is to finalize security and military deals by the end of 2025, a testament to the seriousness of the negotiations.
In Lebanon, the price of peace involves confronting Hezbollah. Israel continues to strike the group despite a ceasefire, aiming to weaken it militarily. Simultaneously, the U.S. is pushing the Lebanese government to pay the political price of disarming the powerful militia, a step Beirut has now agreed to take.
“Our victories… have opened a window for… peace,” Netanyahu told his ministers, explicitly framing the war as a strategic investment in diplomacy. He confirmed that the Syrian talks have shown “some progress,” suggesting that his high-stakes gamble is starting to pay off.
The dividends of this strategy are becoming apparent. Syria’s new leadership is negotiating a land-for-security deal, and its military has reportedly pulled back heavy weapons from the border. Lebanon has set a three-month timeline to begin disarming Hezbollah in the south, a significant concession that could pave the way for a more stable future.