YONI BEN MENACHEM -- Both the U.S. and Israel are closely monitoring events in southern Syria following the violent unrest in the Sweida region. Tensions remain high, and clashes could erupt again at any moment.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed the Syrian regime for the “disaster in the south” and urged it to act if it wants to preserve any hope for a united Syria free of ISIS and Iranian influence. He demanded the Syrian government use its security forces to prevent jihadists from entering the area and committing further massacres.
In a post on X, Rubio called for prosecution of all those responsible for atrocities—within the regime as well—and an end to the ongoing rape and murder of civilians.
Israeli security officials warn that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as al-Julani) either does not control his extreme jihadist factions, or that his promises to build an inclusive state are merely a cover for continuing extremist activity.