Israel Labels Syria's New Leaders as 'Polite Jihadists'
The newly formed Syrian government is comprised of jihadists who are “speaking politely” to enhance their legitimacy, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
In December 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, rose to power in Damascus when militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew the government of Bashar Assad. Following this change, the new Syrian transitional government, composed largely of jihadists, has begun moderating its rhetoric in an attempt to gain international legitimacy, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
Saar explained that the new government has suspended the constitution and established a transitional period under HTS control, with plans to hold elections in four to five years. “The new government in Damascus is made up of jihadists and Islamists. It is currently focused on the economy, governance, and gaining legitimacy from the world, and therefore, it is currently speaking politely,” he remarked during a meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau.
“The new government is following a pattern observed in many Islamist movements that have assumed power,” Saar added.
While Israel remains primarily concerned with its own security, its key focus is still on Iran, but Saar emphasized the necessity of observing Turkey's activities in the region. “It is clear that Türkiye has the greatest influence on Damascus right now,” he stated, pointing out that Turkey is currently the dominant force in Syria and aspires to lead Sunni Islam in the region.
Since severing political ties with Damascus in 2011 following the start of the Syrian civil war, Ankara has supported various rebel factions throughout the conflict. During the HTS offensive, Turkish forces engaged in clashes with Kurdish groups in Syria, which Turkey designates as terrorist organizations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greeted al-Sharaa in Ankara on Tuesday, marking the Syrian leader’s second international trip since assuming power. Just a week prior, al-Sharaa had visited Riyadh for discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Erdogan described the meeting as a “historic visit,” emphasizing the potential for Ankara and Damascus to enhance security and economic cooperation and enter “a period of permanent friendship and cooperation.” He stated, “All our institutions and organizations have been working intensively for the past two months to restore our relations to their former strategic level.”
In a recent demand, al-Sharaa called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from a previously UN-controlled buffer zone in Syria near the occupied Golan Heights, which came under the control of the Israel Defense Forces during HTS's advance last December.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
Saar explained that the new government has suspended the constitution and established a transitional period under HTS control, with plans to hold elections in four to five years. “The new government in Damascus is made up of jihadists and Islamists. It is currently focused on the economy, governance, and gaining legitimacy from the world, and therefore, it is currently speaking politely,” he remarked during a meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau.
“The new government is following a pattern observed in many Islamist movements that have assumed power,” Saar added.
While Israel remains primarily concerned with its own security, its key focus is still on Iran, but Saar emphasized the necessity of observing Turkey's activities in the region. “It is clear that Türkiye has the greatest influence on Damascus right now,” he stated, pointing out that Turkey is currently the dominant force in Syria and aspires to lead Sunni Islam in the region.
Since severing political ties with Damascus in 2011 following the start of the Syrian civil war, Ankara has supported various rebel factions throughout the conflict. During the HTS offensive, Turkish forces engaged in clashes with Kurdish groups in Syria, which Turkey designates as terrorist organizations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greeted al-Sharaa in Ankara on Tuesday, marking the Syrian leader’s second international trip since assuming power. Just a week prior, al-Sharaa had visited Riyadh for discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Erdogan described the meeting as a “historic visit,” emphasizing the potential for Ankara and Damascus to enhance security and economic cooperation and enter “a period of permanent friendship and cooperation.” He stated, “All our institutions and organizations have been working intensively for the past two months to restore our relations to their former strategic level.”
In a recent demand, al-Sharaa called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from a previously UN-controlled buffer zone in Syria near the occupied Golan Heights, which came under the control of the Israel Defense Forces during HTS's advance last December.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
