Israeli Expert Defines Red Lines in Syria, Calls for Protecting Druze Community

Professor Amatzia Baram outlined Israel's red lines in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to protect the Druze community and maintain deterrence in Syria. He criticized Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (Al-Julani) for overstepping boundaries, stating that Israel will not tolerate such actions. Baram stressed the importance of combining military strength with diplomacy, advocating for a security agreement with Syria and cooperation despite tensions.

Baram also urged Israel to address violence by some settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, warning that such actions harm Israel morally and politically, including its relations with Turkey. He highlighted Israel's interest in involving Turkey in the civilian reconstruction of Syria and Gaza, funded by Gulf states, while ensuring no resources support Hamas or militant tunnels.

Regarding recent limited Israeli strikes in northern Syria, Baram deemed them necessary to convey deterrence to Turkey, which he said must understand it cannot act without limits. He proposed that Israel should become an asset to its neighbors, similar to Singapore's role among larger regional powers, by fostering shared interests and diplomatic ties alongside military deterrence.