Syria’s reliance on jihadist groups that could be used against Israel is a red flag.
By Hezy Laing
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently warned that Syria’s Islamic leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, could pose a future threat to Israel.
In a meeting with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Katz expressed deep distrust of Sharaa, slamming him for operating jihadist groups that have targeted Syria’s Druze minority.
Katz believes that al-Sharaa could eventually turn their focus toward Israeli towns in the Golan Heights.
Israel had previously agreed to a demilitarized buffer zone in southern Syria to prevent threats near its territory.
But Syrian forces entered this zone with tanks, rocket launchers, and armored vehicles, prompting Israeli airstrikes.
Katz stated that Israel will not tolerate hostile forces establishing themselves near the border
Southern Syria, particularly Sweida province, has been engulfed in violent clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes, with Syrian government forces joining the fray.
To protect the Druze community the IAF has conducted airstrikes on Syrian military targets, including near Damascus.
The Israeli government has emphasized its commitment to keeping southern Syria demilitarized, citing security concerns and its alliance with the Druze population.
Katz stated that Sharaa’s reliance on jihadist groups that could be used against Israel in the future is a red flag.
He also reaffirmed that Israel would not abandon the Druze and warned that military responses would escalate if threats persist.
Meanwhile Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli has been outspoken against Ahmed al-Sharaa, calling him “a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated without delay” for committing atrocities against minorities.
He criticized European leaders for their “deafening silence” in the face of these attacks.
Recently US President Donald Trump, under pressure from Qatar and Saudia Arabia has sought to legitimize al -Sharaa government.
The current standoff therefore comes amid efforts by the U.S. and other powers to encourage normalization between Damascus and Jerusalem.
However, the massacre of Syria’s Druze citizens and Katz’s statements highlight deep skepticism about Syria’s new leadership and its intentions.
