Official statements from the Israeli government or international monitoring organizations

Syrian Rebels Led by Al-Julani Overthrow Assad; Interim Govt Plans Elections, Complains to UN Over Israeli Attacks

Dec 14, 2024, 03:45 PM

Syrian rebels, led by HTS commander Abu Hassan al-Hamwi, have revealed that they spent the past year secretly planning the assault that overthrew President Bashar al-Assad's regime, utilizing a unified leadership strategy and a specialist drone unit. Following their victory, the new Syrian interim government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani), has filed a complaint with the UN Security Council regarding Israeli airstrikes and Israel's expansion of the buffer zone, alleging violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Al-Sharaa stated that Syria is too exhausted for conflict and has no intention of engaging in a war with Israel, emphasizing plans for rebuilding and development, including forming committees to study and revise the constitution and holding elections in the upcoming government. He also indicated ongoing communications with Western embassies, including discussions with Britain to restore its representation in Damascus, and expressed that they have no hostility toward the Iranian community. Meanwhile, Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi stated that Israel is not intervening in developments in Syria but is present to prevent terrorist elements from establishing themselves near its borders.