Syria's Islamist rulers are gangs, not a legitimate gov't, says Sa'ar

Syrias Islamist rulers are gangs, not a legitimate government — Israel Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, July 10, 2023. Photo: Flash90

While Israel has not intervened militarily to defend the Kurds, Israel must continue to support them diplomatically, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar says

JERUSALEM, Israel,— In an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar painted a bleak picture of Syria’s fractured state, calling the regime in Damascus a “gang” and highlighting the dangers posed by extremist factions across the country.

According to Sa’ar, the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the collapse of the Syrian Armed Forces have left the country divided, with competing factions vying for control.

“The reality in Syria hasn’t stabilized,” Sa’ar said. “The regime in Damascus is essentially a gang — not a legitimate government. Other areas, like Idlib, are controlled by Islamist groups with extreme ideologies.”

One of the most concerning figures in Syria, Sa’ar noted, is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the al-Nusra Front, an organization with historical ties to al-Qaeda.

“Al-Golani is essentially the new leader of Syria,” he added, pointing to the West’s growing recognition of his influence in the region.

The Israeli minister explained that Syria’s instability has prompted Israel to take proactive security measures, including strikes against Assad’s forces.

“We struck Assad’s forces because we feared their weapons could fall into Islamist hands or be sold on the black market,” Sa’ar explained. Establishing buffer zones near the Syrian border has been another crucial step in preventing further violations of separation agreements.

Israel’s cabinet has been presented with several options regarding Syria’s ongoing crisis. “The cabinet was presented with three options: to do nothing, to seize strategic areas that provide control over the region, or to pursue the third option — conquering up to the Syrian missile line, 12-15 km in,” Sa’ar said.

“This measure is limited and temporary. When asked how long ‘temporary’ means, I respond: ‘until we see the situation stabilize and can return to the previous line.’” Sa’ar added.

Sa’ar reiterated that while Syria is under the control of several competing groups, none of them represent a stable or legitimate authority. “While one gang may have taken control of Damascus [Golani], and another rules Idlib, this does not equate to stability,” he said. “This is not a legitimate government, it’s a series of gangs vying for power.”

The minister also emphasized the importance of international support for the Kurdish people, especially given their significant role in fighting ISIS. “In conversations I’ve had with foreign ministers worldwide — from [U.S. Secretary of State] Antony Blinken to others — I’ve stressed the international community’s responsibility to the Kurds,” Sa’ar said.

He expressed concern that the global community has largely ignored the Kurds’ contributions and sacrifices in the battle against extremism.

While Israel has not intervened militarily to defend the Kurds, Sa’ar stressed that Israel must continue to support them diplomatically. “The Kurds are a pro-Western and friendly group, and we must stand by them,” he stated.

He also pointed out the disparity in the attention given to the Kurdish cause in comparison to other regional issues. “They’re not Palestinians, but give them even one percent of the attention you give the Palestinian issue,” Sa’ar said.

In closing, Sa’ar likened Israel’s relationship with the Kurds to its ties with the Druze community, noting that both groups share values and principles aligned with Israel’s interests. “It’s a matter of principle — both morally and diplomatically — to stand by them,” he concluded.

Sa’ar’s comments reflect Israel’s growing concern about Syria’s instability and the importance of supporting groups like the Kurds, which it views as key allies in the broader fight against extremist ideologies.

(With files from The Jerusalem Post)