Syrian militant faction declines to denounce Israeli attacks
A representative from Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham provided an ambiguous response to a journalist's inquiry regarding Israeli airstrikes in Syria. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
A spokesman for the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Obeida Arnaout, provided a noncommittal response regarding the recent Israeli airstrikes and ground invasion of Syria when questioned by a British journalist.
Over the weekend, opposition forces led by HTS and the Free Syrian Army gained control of Damascus, prompting Syrian President Bashar Assad to seek asylum in Russia.
Following these developments, the Israel Defense Forces reportedly conducted approximately 480 airstrikes across Syria, targeting weapons stockpiles and naval assets previously held by Assad’s military. Additionally, Israeli troops advanced further into Syrian territory from the Golan Heights, extending their reach beyond an area they have occupied since 1967.
During an interview with Channel 4 in the UK, when asked about Israel's military actions, Arnaout stated: “Our priority is to restore security and services, to revive civilian life and institutions, and care for newly liberated cities.”
He elaborated, saying, “There are many urgent parts of day-to-day life to restore: bakeries, electricity, water, communications, so our priority is to provide those services to the people.”
Despite this, the journalist pressed further, asking: “I understand it is not your priority, but are you honestly telling me that you have nothing to say about Israel striking... sites in this country?”
To this, Arnaout replied: “Have no doubt we want everyone to respect the sovereignty of the new Syria. This point is very important to us,” though he did not specifically mention Israel.
Earlier reports indicated that HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani had expressed that the group would not engage Israel militarily, citing that Syria is not prepared for further conflict.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the collapse of Assad’s government was a “direct result” of the IDF’s operations against its allies, Hezbollah and Iran. He characterized the regime change in Syria as “a historic day in the history of the Middle East.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Tuesday that the objective of the IDF’s airstrikes and incursion into Syria was to establish a “sterile defense zone” aimed at “preventing the establishment and organization of terror in Syria” following the opposition forces' swift takeover of power in the country.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
Over the weekend, opposition forces led by HTS and the Free Syrian Army gained control of Damascus, prompting Syrian President Bashar Assad to seek asylum in Russia.
Following these developments, the Israel Defense Forces reportedly conducted approximately 480 airstrikes across Syria, targeting weapons stockpiles and naval assets previously held by Assad’s military. Additionally, Israeli troops advanced further into Syrian territory from the Golan Heights, extending their reach beyond an area they have occupied since 1967.
During an interview with Channel 4 in the UK, when asked about Israel's military actions, Arnaout stated: “Our priority is to restore security and services, to revive civilian life and institutions, and care for newly liberated cities.”
He elaborated, saying, “There are many urgent parts of day-to-day life to restore: bakeries, electricity, water, communications, so our priority is to provide those services to the people.”
Despite this, the journalist pressed further, asking: “I understand it is not your priority, but are you honestly telling me that you have nothing to say about Israel striking... sites in this country?”
To this, Arnaout replied: “Have no doubt we want everyone to respect the sovereignty of the new Syria. This point is very important to us,” though he did not specifically mention Israel.
Earlier reports indicated that HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani had expressed that the group would not engage Israel militarily, citing that Syria is not prepared for further conflict.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the collapse of Assad’s government was a “direct result” of the IDF’s operations against its allies, Hezbollah and Iran. He characterized the regime change in Syria as “a historic day in the history of the Middle East.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Tuesday that the objective of the IDF’s airstrikes and incursion into Syria was to establish a “sterile defense zone” aimed at “preventing the establishment and organization of terror in Syria” following the opposition forces' swift takeover of power in the country.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
