Ex-Defense Minister Ya'alon Urges Israel to Offer Assad Abraham Accords Inclusion

Former Israeli Defense Minister and Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. (res.) Boogie Ya'alon, criticized last week's Israeli strike in Syria, claiming it lacked substantive justification. In an interview with the Knesset Channel, Ya'alon argued that the root of the problem lies in Turkey and Qatar gaining influence within Syrian territory. He asserted that Israel should have pursued a diplomatic approach by proposing that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad join the Abraham Accords.

Ya'alon described the current Syrian ruler, Ahmad al-Sharaa, as a jihadist no less dangerous than Assad. He highlighted al-Sharaa's backing by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whom Ya'alon labeled antisemitic and a supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood. Emphasizing the complexity of the regional situation, Ya'alon called for a nuanced analysis of all actors involved.

Concluding his remarks, Ya'alon urged a shift in Israel's decision-making process toward long-term strategic thinking. He stressed the necessity for a political leadership that manages a coherent policy framework beyond electoral considerations, advocating for an overarching strategy in regional affairs.