Syria's Interim President Accuses Israel of "Fighting Ghosts"

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has publicly accused Israel of "fighting ghosts" and exporting crises to distract from its actions in Gaza. Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar, al-Sharaa asserted that since he took office a year ago, he has extended "positive messages regarding regional peace and stability," which Israel has consistently rejected. He claimed that Israel uses its conflict with Hamas as a pretext for military aggression, stating, “They justify everything using their security concerns,” and emphasized that Syria does not intend to export conflict.

Al Jazeera (website)The GuardianMiddle East EyeSyria’s president accuses Israel of ‘fighting ghosts,’ urges return to 1974 truceAssociated PressBreakingNews.ieSyria accuses Israel of ‘fighting ghosts’ as tensions persist over southern buffer zone

Al-Sharaa highlighted the ongoing military incursions by Israeli forces into southern Syria, which have intensified since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. He reported that Israel has conducted over 1,000 airstrikes and 400 incursions into Syrian territory, including a recent operation that resulted in at least 13 fatalities in Beit Jinn. Al-Sharaa called for Israel to withdraw to the pre-December 8, 2024, borders and to recommit to the 1974 disengagement agreement, which established a UN-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights. He warned that altering this agreement could lead to increased regional instability.

Al Jazeera (website)The GuardianSyria accuses Israel of ‘fighting ghosts’ as tensions persist over southern buffer zoneCNNSyria’s president accuses Israel of ‘fighting ghosts,’ urges return to 1974 truceAssociated PressBreakingNews.ie

Al-Sharaa mentioned that negotiations involving the United States are currently underway to address these tensions. He urged the international community to pressure Israel to comply with the disengagement agreement, asserting that any new arrangements, such as a demilitarized zone, raise critical questions about security and protection. “Who will protect this zone if there is no presence of the Syrian army?” he asked, emphasizing Syria's commitment to peace while rejecting any notion of being a conflict-exporting nation.

Associated Press

In addition to addressing Israeli aggression, al-Sharaa discussed Syria's internal situation, asserting that the country is on a path toward stability and economic recovery. He promised that full elections would be held within four years, emphasizing the importance of institutional development over individual power consolidation. Al-Sharaa stated, “Syria is a developed country,” despite criticisms regarding the recent People’s Assembly elections, which were seen as biased.

The Guardian

Critics have raised concerns about the potential risks to women’s rights under al-Sharaa’s leadership, given his association with groups that previously restricted freedoms. Al-Sharaa, however, claimed that women are empowered under his rule and that their rights are protected. He also acknowledged the sectarian divisions left by the Assad regime, advocating for reconciliation and forgiveness as means to build a sustainable peace.

Al Jazeera (website)

Al-Sharaa reiterated his administration's commitment to a peaceful resolution with Israel, stating, “We are not concerned in being a country that exports conflict.” He also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed satisfaction with his leadership and urged Israel to maintain a constructive dialogue with Syria.

Syria’s president accuses Israel of ‘fighting ghosts,’ urges return to 1974 truceMiddle East EyeAssociated PressThe GuardianAl Jazeera (website)BreakingNews.ieSyria accuses Israel of ‘fighting ghosts’ as tensions persist over southern buffer zone

• “Israel has become a country that is in a fight against ghosts.” — Ahmed al-Sharaa, Interim President of Syria

Al Jazeera (website)

• “who will protect this zone if there is no presence of the Syrian army?” — Ahmed al-Sharaa, Interim President of Syria

The Guardian

• “Syria is a developed country” — Ahmed al-Sharaa, Interim President of Syria

The Guardian

• “We do not link the building of Syria to individuals but to institutions, and this is the biggest challenge in the transitional phase that we are going through.” — Ahmed al-Sharaa, Interim President of Syria

The Guardian

As tensions persist between Syria and Israel, al-Sharaa's administration is navigating a complex landscape of military incursions, international negotiations, and internal governance challenges. The future of Syrian-Israeli relations remains uncertain, hinging on both regional dynamics and the outcomes of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Al Jazeera (website)