IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi dismissed on Saturday claims by Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani that Israel has no justification for its involvement in Syria, saying that the IDF's actions along the border are solely to ensure Israel's security.
Halevi, speaking during a situational assessment on the Golan Heights with senior military officials, said, “We are not interfering in what is happening inside Syria, nor do we intend to govern it. However, we are unequivocally involved in ensuring the security of Israeli citizens living in communities behind us in the Golan Heights. This is something we are handling with professionalism, determination and precision.”
Halevi’s comments follow statements made by Golani in which he claimed that Israel no longer has justification for its involvement in Syria following the withdrawal of Iranian forces. Golani also said that his forces had no intention of entering into conflict with Israel.
“We are here primarily for the security of the state,” Halevi said, referring to the IDF’s ongoing presence near the border. “We are here to protect the Golan Heights, northern Golan and Mount Hermon. Syria was once an enemy state; its army has collapsed, and there is a real threat that terrorist elements will try to establish themselves near our border. We have acted decisively to prevent extremist groups from settling right next to us."