Syria’s new officials are “wolves in clothes of sheep,” according to Israel’s assistant foreign minister, who is trying to persuade the world that they are not radical Islamists. However, her state isn’t convinced.
” We’re not fooled by many of the conversations and interviews of those rebel groups who are, in fact, terrorist groups” , , Sharren Haskel , said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Wednesday.
She was responding to a query about Syria’s de-facto leader , Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who said Israel’s government may change its new progress into the cushion area with Syria because his makes pose no threat to the country. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the original al-Qaeda online headed by Al-Sharaa, is designated a criminal organization by the , U. S.  , and other places, though , Washington , has held strong deals with the team since it toppled President , Bashar Assad , earlier this month.
” We are extremely conscious of what they are saying”, Haskel said. ” But the fact is we are going to appear at their behavior, and that’s going to determine how we react. We shouldn’t be fooled by pleasant conversation.
Haskel, 40, said Israel didn’t make the same mistake it made with , Hamas, the Palestinian group that indicated support for interaction before launching the deadly , Oct. 7, 2023 , problems that triggered the combat in , Gaza.
Since Units overthrew Assad, Israel has entered the buffer area between its north and Syria, a shift Haskel described as “temporary and evidently limited.” In order to stop technology from being seized by extremist groups that are hostile to Israel, Israeli aircraft have also attacked weapons depots and other military installations in Syria and Lebanon. The rude has been criticized by , Middle East , places including , Egypt, which condemned the comprehensive targeting of equipment.
Haskel said Israel is concerned about the rights of minority groups in , Syria, especially the Druze and Kurds, with whom the Israeli state has good relationships. There is a People area in , Israel , with close friends across the Arab border whose life had been threatened, she said.
Asked if the Israeli government is in touch with the fresh Syrian command, she said just via the , U. S.  , Haskel said Israel is deeply concerned about Turkey’s actions against the Kurds, who have fought against , Islamic State in Syria , in recent years.
Gaza ceasefire
Asked about enthusiasm that an Israel-Hamas peace may be inevitable after more than 14 weeks of fighting, Haskel said:” Privately, I try to stay pessimistic”.
Hamas , has rejected offers in the past, she said, while reiterating that Israel is “doing everything in our capability to bring back” the 100 hostages still held by the , Iran-backed group in , Gaza.  , Hamas , has accused Israel of chopping and changing its demands.
Robust statements by President-elect , Donald Trump , have been important in creating a breakthrough, Haskel said. The winner of last month ‘s , U. S.  , election has said the hostages should be returned by the time he takes office on , Jan. 20 , or there will be “hell to pay” . , Hamas , is designated a terrorist organization by , Washington , and others.
Under the terms of a deal still being discussed with mediators , Qatar , and , Egypt, hostages would be returned in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a huge boost in humanitarian aid could be delivered to the coastal strip.
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