Israel won't allow HTS forces in southern Syria, Netanyahu says
Israel will not tolerate the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in southern Syria or any other forces affiliated with the country's new rulers, and demands the territory be demilitarized. The move is a response to HTS' stunning offensive that took control of Damascus on December 8, ending then-president Bashar al-Assad's rule. Netanyahu's statement emphasizes Israel's defensive concerns and its commitment to protecting the Druze sect in southern Syria.
- This stance highlights the complexity of Israel's relationships with various extremist groups in the region, including HTS, which has ties to Al Qaeda.
- What implications will this stance have for Israel's long-term strategy in dealing with extremist forces in Syria, particularly given its own involvement in regional conflicts?