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Behind Israel's Demand for the Demilitarization of Syria South of Damascus
(Israel Hayom) Ariel Kahana - It is possible that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader al-Julani truly does not intend to attack Israel, as he claims. However, it remains unclear whether he will be able to maintain firm, long-term rule over Syria. If anti-Israel militias emerge to challenge Israel along the border, it is uncertain whether he would act against them. Another concern is Turkey. Syria has effectively become a client state of Turkish President Erdogan, whose hostility toward Jews is well known. During the war, he even stated that one day his forces would confront Israel. In order to preempt such a development, Israel seeks to demilitarize the area where such a conflict could take place. There is also the potential threat posed by a militia operating under Turkish patronage. Moreover, Israel maintains healthy civil relations with various communities in southern Syria, particularly the Druze, and Netanyahu is seeking to extend his protection over them.