Trump advises Israel not to interfere in Syria
US President Donald Trump advised Israel on December 1st against unsettling Syria, after an Israeli military operation killed 13 people in Syria’s south on November 28th, according to Asharq Al-Awsat via AFP on December 1st.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said “it is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria” and that “nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous state.”
Shortly after the post, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken to Trump via telephone, announcing an invitation for a White House visit. It purportedly remains unclear if the situation in Syria was discussed.
Since Syria’s President Ahmed Al-Sharaa took power, the US government has backed plans for a security pact between the countries. However, persistent Israeli strikes have delayed talks.
The strikes in the town of Beit Jinn, were among the deadliest. Israel claimed to be targeting target the al-Jamaa al-Islamiya group, which is the Muslim Brotherhood’s Lebanese division.
Israel’s military behaviour in Syria has been heavily criticised by Sharaa, who believes the country has “expansionist” ambitions rather than security concerns. He has stated that his country will not retaliate and must prioritise the rebuilding of their nation.
Trump maintained he was “very satisfied” with Syria under the new president, whose government ended Bashar al-Assad’s premiership in December 2024.
The Syrian leader made a landmark visit to Washington on November 10th, becoming the first Syrian head of state to officially visit Washington since Syria gained independence in 1946.
The US President praised Sharaa, saying he is “working diligently to make sure good things happen.” He added that “both Syria and Israel will have a long and prosperous relationship together” and assured that the US is supporting the Syrian government to rebuild a country ravaged by war.
Maghrebi.org, Asharq Al-Awsat via AFP, Al Jazeera
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