HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa says Israel's advances in Syria unacceptable

Syrian interim leader Ahmed Shala'a stated that Israel's advancement into their territory is unacceptable, but he denied that any conflict would occur. The leader of "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" (HTS) made these comments on Thursday as Israel continues to deepen its territorial control in southern Syria.

Shala'a said, "We do not want war with Israel or any country. We have told Israel to stop its actions, and if it continues, we will apply pressure." He also emphasized that "there is no excuse for occupation." The Syrian Golan Heights region has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Middle East War, and settlements have been established on this territory, which is a violation of international law.

Since the HTS-led attacks overthrew President Bashar al-Assad's government in December, Israel has rapidly expanded its control over more Syrian territory under the pretext of security. On the same day that Assad fell, Israel deployed its forces to the 1974 UN-established ceasefire line and entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone.

Since HTS took power in Syria, it has been reluctant to provoke Israel. Since Assad's downfall, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes against military sites and infrastructure across the country. However, Shala'a, whose family is from the Golan Heights, has been critical of Israel's attacks on the country when questioned about the matter.

In his comments on Thursday, Shala'a also criticized the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG), saying they "alone" have not responded to their calls to restrict weapons to the authorities. He stated that the group is "exploiting" the ongoing fight against ISIS "to serve their own interests."