Syrian Rebels Declare March on Jerusalem Amidst Post-Assad Chaos
In a dramatic turn of events, Islamist rebels in Syria made a bold declaration from a mosque in Damascus, vowing to “march on Jerusalem” following their takeover of the capital. The video, circulating widely on social media and aired by Hebrew media on December 8, 2024, captures a spokesman delivering the statement, surrounded by armed fighters chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest).
Islamist Rebels’ Bold Declaration
The spokesman described Damascus as the “Muslim stronghold” and urged patience from Palestinians in Gaza, emphasizing their aim to target Jerusalem next. However, it remains unclear which faction the fighters represent, raising concerns about the fragmented nature of the opposition forces in Syria.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s Reassurances
Meanwhile, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the most powerful rebel group, sought to quell fears among religious minorities and the international community. He pledged to respect minority rights within Syria and condemned Islamist attacks abroad. Notably, there have been no reports of reprisals in Aleppo, which rebels captured last week, a potential sign of HTS’s attempt to project a more moderate image.
Israel’s Defensive Measures
In response to the upheaval, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have seized control of the buffer zone between Israel and Syria. The IDF described the move as a temporary defensive measure to ensure security along its northern border amidst the ongoing chaos in Syria.
Regional and Global Implications
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime after five decades of rule has left Syria in a volatile and uncertain state. The rebel factions’ divergent agendas and rhetoric have sparked concerns about the potential for regional instability. The IDF’s actions reflect fears that Syria’s internal turmoil could spill over into neighboring countries, further complicating an already precarious geopolitical landscape.
