Syrian Kurds open to support from Israel, says SDF chief

QAMISHLO,— General Mazloum Abdi, the top commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the de facto army of the autonomous Kurdish-led administration in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), indicated that Syrian Kurds are open to Israeli assistance in protecting Kurdish achievements in Syria.

Abdi made the remarks during an interview with BBC, stating that any support aimed at safeguarding Kurdish communities would be welcomed. “If Israel can prevent attacks against us and stop the killing of our people, we welcome that and appreciate it,” the SDF leader said in the interview, according to reports released on Wednesday.

He further acknowledged that Israel is an influential player in the Middle East, as well as in the United States and Western countries.

When asked whether the SDF would accept help from Israel, Abdi responded positively. “We welcome anyone in the world who can help support our rights and protect our achievements,” he explained. “Let me give a general answer. We welcome support from anyone.”

The remarks followed BBC journalist Jiyar Gol’s note that there had been reports of communication between Rojava and Israel.

Gol also referenced statements from Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who has called for increased support for the Kurds in Syria.

In September 2024, Sa’ar confirmed that Israel was in contact with several Syrian opposition groups, including those from the Kurdish and Druze communities. This was reported by Israeli media outlets, which noted the contacts were part of Israel’s broader strategy in the region.

In January 2025, Sa’ar is said to have had a lengthy phone discussion with Ilham Ahmed, a high-ranking official from the Syrian Kurdish administration in Rojava.

Sa’ar has also voiced criticism of the current Islamist regime in Damascus, which he referred to as a “gang” in December 2024. He highlighted the risks posed by extremist elements within Syria, a situation that continues to shape Israel’s diplomatic approach to the conflict.

The Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAA), which governs the region, declared its autonomy in September 2018. The DAA operates under the principles of democratic confederalism, emphasizing decentralization, gender equality, direct democracy, and environmental responsibility.

The Autonomous Administration in Syrian Kurdistan, respected by many Western governments, operates under a secular, decentralized system of self-rule, prioritizing gender equality, direct democracy, and environmental responsibility.

(With files from jpost.com)