Israel's departing defence minister says Iran is starting to withdraw from Syria

Israeli officials say their military operations showed signs of success

Naftali Bennett gave an assessment of Iran's role in Syria. EPA

Iran has begun withdrawing forces from Syria, Israel's departing defence minister Naftali Bennett said on Monday.

Mr Bennett also urged his successor, Benny Gantz, to maintain pressure on Iran, saying Iran's pull-out could be reversed.

Iran has been a key supporter of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad's regime during its civil war, sending military advisers, material and militias it supports.

Israel, which monitors neighbouring Syria intensively, has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria.

It has been focusing on suspected arms and troop movements by Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas it sponsors.

"Iran is significantly reducing the scope of its forces in Syria and even evacuating a number of bases," Mr Bennett said in his valedictory address.

"Although Iran has begun the withdrawal process from Syria, we need to complete the work. It's in reach."

Israeli officials have suggested that Israel's military operations were showing signs of success.

Iran is under US sanctions and has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

It has repeatedly said its military presence in Syria is at the invitation of Mr Al Assad and that it will remain as long as it is needed.

A senior aide to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Saturday said Tehran would continue working closely with the Assad government to fight terrorism and find a political solution to the Syrian crisis, Iran's Isna news agency reported.

Mr Bennett was Israeli defence minister for about six months.

Mr Gantz, a former military chief, has formed a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was sworn in on Sunday.