Israel Labels Syria’s New Leaders as ‘Polite Jihadists’”

Israeli officials have described Syria’s new leadership as ‘polite jihadists,’ sparking controversy. Learn more about the statement and its implications for regional politics.

According to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, the Syrian transitional government includes jihadists who are moderating their rhetoric in an effort to gain international legitimacy.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, widely recognized as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, assumed control in Damascus in December 2024 following a successful coup by militants affiliated with his organization, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which toppled former President Bashar Assad. In the aftermath, the newly established government has put the constitution on hold and declared a transitional phase under HTS authority while committing to conduct elections within four to five years.

Saar stated during a meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau on Tuesday that the recently formed government in Damascus consists of jihadists and Islamists. Their current priorities include addressing economic issues, governance, and securing global recognition, which is why they’re currently maintaining a diplomatic tone.

“This scenario has occurred with numerous Islamist movements that have assumed power,” the senior Israeli diplomat remarked. Although Israel’s primary concern is its own security, its main attention remains on Iran, Saar mentioned. However, he emphasized the significance of keeping an eye on Türkiye’s activities in the region and highlighted that “Türkiye currently holds significant influence over Damascus.”

“Turkey is presently the most influential country in Syria, with ambitions to lead Sunni Islam in the region,” he stated.

In 2011, Ankara cut off political relations with Damascus following the onset of the Syrian civil war and subsequently supported certain rebel factions during the conflict. Amidst the HTS offensive, Turkish forces engaged in clashes with Kurdish groups in Syria—factions that Turkey regards as terrorist organizations.

On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted al-Sharaa in Ankara during the Syrian leader’s second international visit since assuming power. Al-Sharaa had traveled to Riyadh last week for discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Erdogan praised the “historic visit” as a chance for Ankara and Damascus to explore enhancing security and economic collaboration, aiming to establish “a period of lasting friendship and cooperation.”

Erdogan stated, “Over the last two months, all our institutions and organizations have been diligently working to restore our relations to their previous strategic level.”

Last month, al-Sharaa called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from a buffer zone in Syria near the occupied Golan Heights. This area was previously under UN control until it came under Israel Defense Forces’ control during HTS’s advance in December.