Israel Netanyahu talks to Trump about Syria: no interest in conflict
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with US President-elect Donald Trump about the situation in the civil war in Syria and reaffirmed his peaceful intentions.
16.12.2024, 02:23
16.12.2024, 02:24
SDA
"We have no interest in a conflict with Syria," Netanyahu said according to a statement. Israel's approach would be based on the circumstances on the ground. Syria had been an "active enemy state" for decades and had repeatedly attacked Israel.
The civil war-torn country has also allowed others to attack Israel from its territory. Syria has also allowed Iran to arm the Shia militia Hezbollah in Lebanon from its territory. "To ensure that this does not happen again, we have taken a series of intensive measures in recent days," said Netanyahu.
Since the fall of ruler Bashar al-Assad a week ago, Israel has repeatedly bombed strategic military installations in the neighboring country. It has also deployed troops to areas beyond the ceasefire line on the occupied Golan Heights. These troops moved into a so-called buffer zone, which is under UN supervision in accordance with the 1974 ceasefire agreement. Israel now wants to expand the settlement of the Golan Heights. Arab countries have condemned the plans.
The talks with Trump were also about efforts to secure the release of the Israeli hostages who are still being held by the Islamist Hamas following the massacre on October 7 last year. "We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all our hostages, living and deceased, return home," the Israeli Prime Minister emphasized. According to Israeli sources, around 100 hostages - including dead bodies - are still being held by Hamas.
