Syrian leader claims Israel is battling 'phantoms' following Gaza conflict

DOHA, Qatar On Saturday, Syrias acting president criticized Israel for targeting phantoms and hunting for enemies in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict. Speaking at an international forum, President Ahmad al-Sharaa emphasized that since assuming office a year ago, he has consistently promoted messages of regional peace and stability.

Al-Sharaa claimed that Israel ignored his peace overtures and exaggerated its confrontation with Hamas, using it to rationalize what he described as acts of aggression in the name of security. He pledged that Syria would avoid such tactics.

We do not seek to export conflict, including towards Israel, he said during the Doha Forum. Al-Sharaa, previously detained by the U.S. over connections with al-Qaida in Iraq, urged Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory and reaffirm its commitment to the 1974 truce agreement. He also called on the international community to pressure Israel and expressed hope for a solution that addresses reasonable security concerns.

Negotiations are ongoing, with active U.S. involvement, he noted.

Following the removal of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024, Israel took control of a portion of southern Syria that had previously been a U.N.-monitored buffer zone established in 1974. Israel justifies this move as a preventive measure against militant infiltration after Assad was ousted, conducting operations in villages and towns within and around the zone. Last month, at least 13 people were killed in one such Israeli operation against suspected militants.

Earlier this month, former U.S. President Donald Trump praised al-Sharaas leadership and urged Israel to refrain from interfering in Syrias internal affairs. Maintaining strong and genuine dialogue with Syria is crucial, and nothing should obstruct Syrias development into a prosperous state, Trump wrote on his platform.

Israel has also carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military positions and advocated for a demilitarized zone south of Damascus.

Author: Lucas Grant