By Zara Maisango
In a surprising political turn, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Syrian territory. Speaking to a gathering of supporters and reporters, al-Julani also called for the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers in the Golan Heights buffer zone, citing the need for regional stability and adherence to international agreements.
The militant leader emphasized HTS’s commitment to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Syria and Israel, which established a demilitarized buffer zone monitored by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). "We will not allow Syrian soil to be used to attack Israel," al-Julani asserted, signaling a shift in HTS’s priorities from external conflict to internal stability.
Al-Julani criticized the continued presence of Israeli forces in the demilitarized buffer zone and other Syrian territories, describing their deployment as unnecessary following the decline of threats from Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies. "The collapse of the Assad regime has removed the justification for foreign military interference. Syria’s sovereignty must be restored," he said.
This unexpected stance highlights al-Julani’s attempt to rebrand HTS as a group committed to international norms and local governance rather than global jihadism. Analysts suggest this move could be an effort to gain legitimacy on the world stage while consolidating control over opposition-held areas in Syria.
The Golan Heights, a strategic plateau bordering Israel and Syria, has been a flashpoint of conflict for decades. Captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967 and later annexed in 1981, the territory’s status remains a subject of international dispute. Al-Julani’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, with recent Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged Iranian-linked sites in Syria.
Observers note that al-Julani’s call for UN peacekeepers aligns with the terms of the 1974 agreement but raises questions about his motivations. Some see this as a pragmatic move to distance HTS from global extremism and position the group as a stabilizing force in Syria’s fragmented political landscape. Others remain skeptical, viewing the announcement as a strategic ploy to deflect attention from HTS’s controversial history.
The international community has yet to respond formally to al-Julani’s demands. However, the United Nations has consistently urged all parties to respect the buffer zone and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the region.
As Syria’s complex conflict continues to evolve, al-Julani’s statements mark a notable development, underscoring the shifting dynamics among the country’s many factions. Whether this represents a genuine commitment to peace or a calculated maneuver remains to be seen.
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Editor's Note: The situation in Syria is fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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