“Syria will not wage a new war with Israel. The country is not ready for another war. Our biggest threat is Hezbollah and the Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Syria.”
His comments follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s message to Syria’s new leadership:
“We seek relations with the new regime in Syria. But if this regime allows Iran to re-establish itself in Syria, transfer weapons to Hezbollah, or attack us, we will respond with force and exact a heavy price. What happened to the previous regime will also happen to this regime.”
Since taking power, al-Jolani has worked to reshape the image of his rebels, emphasizing inclusivity. He added:
“I no longer hold the same views as in my youth. Minorities will also have their place in a new Syria.”