Syria's Al Sharaa Slams Israel for 'Exporting Crises' to Divert Attention From Gaza War

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday accused Israel of fabricating regional threats and "exporting crises" as a tactic to distract from what he called "horrifying massacres" in Gaza, escalating rhetoric amid ongoing tensions over Israeli airstrikes and territorial disputes in southern Syria.

Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar, Sharaa claimed Israel is "in a fight against ghosts," using the pretext of preventing another Oct. 7-style attack to justify actions that he said have no real security basis.

"Israel tries to run away from the horrifying massacres committed in Gaza, and it does so by attempting to export crises," he said during an onstage interview.

Sharaa, who assumed power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, emphasized Syria's desire for peace. "Since we arrived in Damascus, we sent positive messages regarding regional peace and stability... and that we are not interested in being a country that exports conflict, including to Israel," he said.

However, he lambasted Israel for responding with "extreme violence," citing a deadly raid last month on terrorists in the southern Syrian town of Beit Jinn, as well as over 1,000 airstrikes and 400 airspace violations against Syria.

Sharaa renewed calls for Israel to withdraw from Golan Heights territories occupied since Assad's ouster, affirming support for the 1974 disengagement agreement and warning that demands for new arrangements, like a demilitarized zone, could lead to "a dangerous place."

Sharaa also addressed domestic concerns, acknowledging "atrocities" against minorities in the Sweida region but insisting Syria operates under the rule of law and will hold perpetrators accountable.

The comments come as Israel maintains a military presence in strategic areas of southern Syria to prevent arms flows to Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups, amid a fragile post-Assad landscape.

Israeli officials have dismissed Sharaa's overtures, citing his Islamist affiliations and past ties to al-Qaida-linked groups.

At the same forum, Qatar's prime minister noted that Gaza ceasefire negotiations remain at a "critical moment" and incomplete until Israel fully withdraws, highlighting broader regional frustrations with the ongoing conflict.