Israel concerned about possible US withdrawal from Syria
In recent weeks, discussions have emerged within the political and security circles regarding a potential withdrawal of US forces from Syria, according to Suleiman Maswadeh, a political affairs commentator for the Israeli Kan channel.
ISNA - Maswadeh revealed that senior officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump have conveyed a message to Israeli security and political leaders, indicating Trump's desire to pull US forces out of Syria.
The topic has reportedly been under debate within Israeli political and security circles for weeks. According to Maswadeh, while the number of US troops in Syria is not significant—estimated at several thousand stationed across various bases—their presence is seen as influential. "These forces have a strong impact on Syria's behavior toward Israel," he stated.
Maswadeh added that US forces also play a critical role in supporting the Kurdish minority in Syria. However, there is growing concern over the possibility of a Turkish incursion into Syria, which could threaten Kurdish communities. "Israeli leaders are deeply worried about this scenario and about Trump's isolationist tendencies," he explained.
Meanwhile, around two weeks ago, Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani), leader of Syria's new administration, emphasized the consensus against the Israeli occupation's recent advancements in Syria. He called for a return to the previous status quo.
Following a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister Thursday, al-Sharaa announced that "Syria is committed and ready to welcome United Nations forces in the buffer zone and to restore conditions to what they were prior to Israel's latest advances."
Syria not to be used for attacks on 'Israel'
This comes despite a December interview with The Times in which al-Sharaa pledged that he would not allow the country to be used as a launchpad for attacks "against Israel or any other state".
Al-Sharaa called on "Israel" to halt its airstrikes and withdraw from Syrian territory it occupied following Assad's departure.
"Israel's justification was the presence of Hezbollah and Iranian militias, so that justification is gone," he said. "We are committed to the 1974 agreement and we are prepared to return the UN [monitors]."
He added, "We do not want any conflict whether with Israel or anyone else and we will not let Syria be used as a launchpad for attacks. The Syrian people need a break, and the strikes must end and Israel has to pull back to its previous positions."
