Israel won't allow Sharaa's forces in southern Syria: Netanyahu

Israel wont allow Sharaas Islamist forces in southern Syria — Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, February 21, 2025. Photo: Israel PM’s Press Office

JERUSALEM,— Israel said on Sunday it will not tolerate the presence of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in southern Syria, nor any forces linked to Syria’s new leadership, demanding the region be fully demilitarized. This includes the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida.

HTS, formerly known al Nusra Front, a violent Islamist group formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, seized control of Damascus on December 8, 2024, after launching a swift and devastating offensive that overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.

The group, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has reshaped Syria’s political landscape, prompting Israel to deploy forces into a U.N.-monitored demilitarized zone in Syria.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would maintain its presence in the region for as long as necessary, asserting, “We will not permit HTS or any newly formed Syrian military forces to enter the territory south of Damascus. We demand full demilitarization of southern Syria.”

He also warned of potential threats to the Druze community, a minority sect in Syria and Israel, adding, “We will not allow any threats to the Druze community in southern Syria.”

Syria has called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, with the United Nations labeling the presence of Israeli troops as a violation of international agreements.

In a December 2024 Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the new regime in Damascus, calling it a “gang” and highlighting the dangers posed by extremist groups across Syria.

Sa’ar also expressed concern over the growing instability in the country, emphasizing the risks for both Israel and the wider region.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)