Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the Syrian rebel faction formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, addressed Israel for the first time since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime on Saturday, rejecting the country's involvement in Syria.
Speaking in a televised statement, Golani said, “Syria needs laws and state institutions. We have a plan to address all the crises, and we are gathering information. We are not entering into conflict with Israel.”
Golani claimed Israel has no justification for involvement in Syria following the departure of Iranian forces. “What happened is a victory over the Iranian plan, which threatened the entire region,” he said.
Golani also suggested his faction could have targeted Russian bases in Syria but opted instead to “build good relations.”