Jordan Condemns Israel’s Syria Actions as Regional Threat

Jordan’s King Abdullah II addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly, expressing concerns over Israel’s actions in Syria. This marked a shift from previous criticisms focused on Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Instead, the king highlighted Israel’s regional strategy, stating, “This Israeli government’s appetite is now a regional threat. And today, Syria is the warning.”

The king referenced Israel’s incursion into Syria on December 8, 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime. Since then, Israel has continued bombing Syria and shelling the border area over the past two years. Jordan’s concerns stem from its historical ties with Syrian rebel groups in southern Syria, where it once supported the rebels and even helped evacuate the White Helmets to Jordan in 2018.

The current situation has changed. Jordan now supports the new government in Damascus, while Israeli officials have threatened the regime and warned of potential conflict. Israel has bombed Damascus and recently targeted a military base in northern Syria, warning Turkey against involvement. There are discussions in Jerusalem about a future conflict with Turkey over Syria.

For Jordan, stability in southern Syria is crucial. During the Assad regime, the country took in nearly a million Syrian refugees and dealt with threats like Iranian-backed drug smuggling. The new Damascus government is seen as an opportunity for peace and security. However, Israel seeks a demilitarized southern Syria and supports the Druze in Sweida.

The Druze have discussed creating their own state in southern Syria and forming an alliance with Israel. Jordan views this with concern, believing drug smuggling networks from the Assad era continue to operate from Sweida. Jordan’s deep understanding of the region’s dynamics makes it a key player in the ongoing tensions.

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