In internal sermons reported by International Crisis Group, HTS leader Julani framed Israel as part of a “global conspiracy against Muslims,” language consistent with al‑Qaeda‑derived ideology.
Hezy Laing
Hay’at Tahrir al‑Sham (HTS) is designated by multiple governments and civil‑society organizations as a violent extremist organization responsible for severe harm, loss of life, and human rights violations.
Despite this there has been an ongoing recurring debate in Western policy circles about whether HTS has moderated its radical nature.
It seems that question has finally have been answered with a resounding “No”.
Recently documentation surfaced of HTS soldiers shouting, “Death to the Jews! We’ll spill rivers of your blood”.
This latest provocation is just one of many instances of antisemitic incitement.
The leader of HTS, Abu Muhammad al‑Julani has himself made multiple public declarations describing Israel as an enemy.
In a 2016 speech documented by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, he vowed that HTS would “continue the path of jihad until all occupied lands are liberated,” explicitly referencing ‘Palestine’.
In internal sermons reported by International Crisis Group, Julani framed Israel as part of a “global conspiracy against Muslims,” language consistent with al‑Qaeda‑derived ideology.
Clerics affiliated with HTS, such as Abdullah al‑Muhaysini (though later distancing himself), have issued sermons calling Israel a “criminal entity.”
Muhaysini’s speeches, documented by Jihadology and Carnegie Middle East Center, included calls for “resistance against Zionists,” though he was not formally part of HTS leadership at the time.
Meanwhile multiple videos verified by Syrian opposition monitors show HTS fighters chanting antisemitic slogans, including “Death to the Jews” and threats of violence.
These chants were documented by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Step News Agency, and independent researchers studying HTS mobilization rhetoric.
These recordings directly contradict HTS’s attempts to present itself as a “local governance actor.”
HTS has not engaged in direct military confrontation with Israel, but it has taken actions that align with anti‑Israel ideology.
Reports by INSS, Hudson Institute, and Janes Defence note that HTS has allowed individuals linked to global jihadist movements—including factions historically hostile to Israel—to operate in Idlib.
HTS has also tolerated anti‑Israel messaging in mosques and training camps, even while suppressing ISIS.
HTS media channels have also repeatedly praised attacks against Israel carried out by other groups.
For example, HTS‑linked outlets celebrated Hamas rocket fire during the May 2021 Gaza conflict, documented by MEMRI and SOHR.
HTS spokesmen framed these attacks as “resistance,” reinforcing ideological alignment.
While HTS opposes Iranian influence, it has cooperated tactically with factions whose ideology includes hostility toward Israel.
Analysts at Carnegie Middle East Center note that HTS has allowed groups with anti‑Israel agendas to maintain presence in Idlib, even while asserting administrative control.
HTS training videos analyzed by Counter Extremism Project include ideological framing that identifies Israel as part of a broader enemy constellation.
These materials do not provide operational details but show ideological hostility.
All of this anti‑Israel rhetoric undermines claims that the group has become “moderate.”
Analysts such as Charles Lister, Aymenn al‑Tamimi, and Sam Heller argue that HTS’s political rebranding is tactical, while its core ideology—including hostility toward Israel—remains intact.
