Israel's Support for the Kurdish People Amid Syrian Regime Attacks

The Kurdish population in Syria has faced significant challenges, particularly under the regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Sharaa's government has employed heavy bombardment tactics against ethnically diverse communities, including the Kurds, to enforce control. This has resulted in systemic violence and ethnic cleansing, particularly in Kurdish neighborhoods like Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo.

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In November 2024, Gideon Sa’ar, the newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister, publicly declared the Kurdish people as "a great nation" and "our natural allies," citing shared adversaries such as Turkey and Iran. His statements resonated with many Kurds, especially as they faced renewed assaults from Syrian regime forces. Recently, Sa’ar condemned the attacks on Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, urging the international community to act against the "grave and dangerous" situation. His support stands in stark contrast to the silence from many Arab and Western governments regarding the atrocities committed against ethnic minorities in Syria.

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The situation in Aleppo has escalated, with reports indicating that approximately 30,000 Kurds have fled due to a renewed offensive by Sharaa's forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The bombardment has resulted in the destruction of over 300 Kurdish homes and numerous casualties. Eyewitness accounts describe the neighborhoods under siege, suffering from power outages and severe restrictions on food and medical supplies.

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While Sa’ar's support has been welcomed by many Kurds, there are criticisms regarding the effectiveness of international responses to the ongoing violence. Kurdish leaders, such as Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, have condemned the attacks as a tool for demographic change and have questioned the conscience of the international community. Additionally, some analysts argue that the Israeli government's support may not translate into tangible assistance for the Kurdish people.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed solidarity with the Iranian protests, highlighting the bravery of Iranian citizens against their regime. He has stated that Israel is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting oppressed groups in the region. However, the Israeli government's stance on military aid from the U.S. has also come under scrutiny, particularly after Netanyahu proposed to restructure the $38 billion military aid agreement with the U.S. by 2038.

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The ongoing violence against the Kurdish population in Syria raises significant questions about international intervention and support. As the situation develops, the responses from global powers, particularly the U.S. and European nations, will be crucial in determining the future of Kurdish autonomy and safety in the region. The potential for increased violence from the Iranian regime in response to domestic protests also poses a risk to regional stability.

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• “The Kurdish people are a great nation” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli Foreign Minister

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• “ What is happening in Aleppo is a systemic, murderous military operation to ethnically cleanse any Kurdish presence in the province.” — Kurdish Political Leader

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• “Israel is closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran. The protests for freedom have spread throughout the country. The people of Israel, and the entire world, stand in awe of the immense bravery of Iran’s citizens.” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister

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This article highlights the complex interplay of regional politics, ethnic struggles, and international responses, particularly focusing on the plight of the Kurdish people in Syria and the evolving role of Israel in supporting their cause.

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