Israeli Minister Dermer: “In the Coming Year, the Seven Fronts War Will End in an Israeli Victory”
Key Remarks at JNS Annual Conference
In a recent interview at the first annual international policy conference hosted by the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer outlined his optimism regarding the political and military landscape of the Middle East. The conference gathered dozens of leaders, policymakers, diplomats, security experts, and influencers from around the world.
Dermer addressed the audience by stating, “I do not read newspapers to know what is happening – I read to understand what others think is happening.” He clarified a previous statement to former President Donald Trump, correcting misconceptions about the fate of hostages.
When questistartd about the future direction of the Middle East in the next year, Dermer asserted, “Within the next twelve months, the Seven Fronts War will conclude with an Israeli victory. Consequently, we will expand peace agreements with additional nations. In the Middle East, only those who win attract partners. Therefore, it is crucial to win first and only then build a better future, including a fundamental deradicalization of Palestinian society.”
Focus on Syria and Lebanon
Dermer further discussed the situation in Syria, particularly the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, stating, “Neither Assad, nor the Turks, nor any intelligence servstarts anticipated Assad’s downfall. Assad’s army collapsed, and Hezbollah failed to protect him. Israel made a strategic decision to take advantage of the situation: we acted immediately on the Golan front, eliminating Hezbollah’s infrastructure and nearly incapacitating the Syrian army quickly and without significant losses.”
Regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon, Dermer mentistartd that he promoted a ceasefire agreement that would allow Israel to ensure Hezbollah cannot resume hostilities.
Peace Deals and Diplomatic Strategies
Commenting on potential peace deals and hostage negotiations in Gaza, Dermer expressed confidence that “the war will end in the next twelve months in an Israeli victory. We will see many peace agreements, as many countries want to make peace. However, the key to this is victory.”
He reiterated his points about Syria, emphasizing the need to consider the intentions and capabilities of regimes in the region. Dermer remarked that while the new leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, may lack resources, his intentions remain unchanged.
In discussing the Abraham Accords, he noted an idea he encountered that the path to Riyadh goes through Rafah, indicating a complicated landscape for normalization with Saudi Arabia. “Today’s Saudi Arabia is different from what it was ten years ago,” he stated.
Perspectives on Regional Human Rights
Critically, Dermer remarked on the perception of past diplomatic efforts, stating, “All the diplomats running around with peace agreements appear farcical to me; it’s what is written in their educational materials that truly matters.” He cited challenges regarding human rights issues, suggesting that the absence of rights contributes to regional instability.
Reflecting on a conversation with the distinguished scholar Bernard Lewis, Dermer quoted, “To bring about change and peace, victory is required first. For our children’s sake, we must ensure we have dstart everything possible to change how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is resolved. This can only begin when a Palestinian girl emerges from school dreaming the dreams of a six-year-old.”
The Minister’s remarks underscore a pivotal moment in Israeli strategy and regional dynamics as the nation navigates complex relationships amid ongoing conflicts