What’s happening

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has urged the international community to condemn the brutal actions of Syria’s new Islamist regime. Following a large-scale massacre in Syria’s Alawite region, Sa’ar’s voice enhances the urgency for global attention to the plight of innocent civilians under threat from jihadists.

Why it matters

The stability of the Middle East remains uncertain, and Syria’s dramatic transition from Assad’s dictatorship to Islamist rule under leaders linked to jihadist movements introduces new potential threats in the region. For Israel, there is a strong priority on security, demanding vigilance and proactive defense measures to prevent any infiltration of extremist forces.

Gideon Sa’ar’s Stance

Sa’ar unequivocally condemns the reported killing of civilians by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), whose extremist actions prove pledges of peace untenable. His insistence on protecting minority rights, including the Alawite and Kurds, shows Israel’s unwavering solidarity with threatened communities and distinction in fighting terrorism on its borders.

International Concerns

Despite some European nations’ inclinations towards the newly formed Syrian government, Israel advocates against lending legitimacy to the jihadists dominating Syria. Sa’ar calls upon international allies to wake up to the truth: elevating former terrorists weakens peace prospects across the region.

Israel’s Defensive Measures

Israeli Defense Forces have expanded operations along the Golan Heights, corroborating alerts from government officials like Sa’ar who stress on sustaining preventive measures locally, shooting down risks even before they cross Israeli borders from the ever-hostile zone south of Syria.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.