Katz Warns Syrian Rebels: Israel Will Not Allow Islamic State Threat Across Border

Photo Credit: Israel Ministry of Defense

Defense Minister Israel Katz visits and Israeli Navy base in Haifa. Dec. 10, 2024

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a blunt warning on Tuesday to the leaders of the Islamist-led rebel forces who now control Syria, saying the State of Israel will not allow an Islamic State-style threat to exist across the northern border.

The minister made the remarks during a visit to an Israeli Navy base in Haifa, warning rebels against allowing Islamist extremists to exploit the current political vacuum to take control of the country.

Katz referenced the fall on Sunday of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, completed with the capture of Damascus by rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the Al Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization.

“I warn the leaders of the rebels in Syria: Whoever follows Assad’s path will end like Assad,” Katz said.

“We will not allow an Islamic State terrorist entity to operate against Israel beyond its border and while endangering its citizens. We will do everything required to neutralize this threat.”

Katz said that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the IDF to establish “a sterile space free of weapons and terrorist elements in southern Syria” in order to prevent the “establishment and organization of terrorism” in Syria and to prevent the creation of a reality similar to that which existed in Lebanon and in the region prior to October 7th.

“We will not allow this, we will not allow threats against the State of Israel,” Katz reiterated.

“We will continue to act with full force to remove the threats. Again, I clarify and emphasize that we will not allow anyone to threaten the residents of the Golan Heights, the citizens of the State of Israel, and we will act firmly against any organization.”