Israeli Maj. Gen. Yair Golan said Wednesday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad can potentially hold on to power for a several more years, despite having lost control of most of the country.
The Israeli government estimated that Assad has lost control of 60 percent of the country, according to Israel Hayom. However, Russia's military support makes Assad more likely to maintain power for a while longer.
"He will stay on for years. I don't see any force toppling him tomorrow morning—though he deserves to pass from this world, and the quicker that happens, the better," Golan said.
Although Assad threatens to retaliate against Israel if the United States intervenes, he does not have the capability to launch an effective ground strike against Israel, Golan said.