Illustrative image. (The Israeli Defense Forces)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a special security discussion on November 29 evening with the heads of the defense establishment to discuss new internal fighting in Syria and the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Hebrew media
The unusual meeting came amid a large-scale offensive against Syrian government forces in the northern governorate of Aleppo led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, an offshoot of al-Qaeda.
Prior to the news from Israel, the militants stormed the city of Aleppo. Syrian government forces appear to be on the brink of collapse there.
Israel’s Channel 12 news channel reported that the country was concerned about the potential spillover ramifications of chaotic developments in Syria, as well as the possibility of unspecified Syrian strategic weapons falling into the wrong hands.
Meanwhile, an unnamed Israeli official told the Ynet news website: “This is something we need to closely monitor and see how it develops.”
They added, “It doesn’t necessarily affect us, especially not in the short term, but any erosion of stability in a neighboring country could also impact us. It seems here that there are also opportunities for change.”
Opposition sources in touch with Turkish intelligence said Turkey had given a green light to the offensive. However, Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said Turkey sought to avoid greater instability in the region and had warned that recent attacks undermined de-escalation agreements.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow regarded the rebel attack as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and wanted the authorities to act fast to regain control.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pledged “continued support for the government, nation and army of Syria,” in a phone call with his Syrian counterpart Bassam al-Sabbagh, according to a statement.
Syria has already accused Israel of backing the offensive. While there are no clear links between what is happening and Israel, there is no doubt that the country is the main beneficiary. The offensive started just a few hours after direct threats from Netanyahu to Syria and President Bashar al-Assad.
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