Washington, D.C. – The United States is increasingly concerned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies regarding Syria, fearing they could destabilize the region and undermine potential diplomatic progress, DZWatch has learned.
According to a high-ranking US official, Netanyahu’s actions are perceived as overly aggressive and potentially counterproductive. “We’re trying to convince Bibi to stop this, because if he continues, he’s going to destroy himself,” the official stated, using Netanyahu’s nickname. The official suggested that Netanyahu’s current approach risks missing a significant diplomatic opportunity and potentially turning the new Syrian government into an adversary.
“Syria is not Lebanon,” the official emphasized. “Syria doesn’t want problems with Israel. This isn’t Lebanon. But Netanyahu sees ghosts everywhere.” The official indicated that Netanyahu’s actions have partially undermined efforts toward a security agreement between Syria and Israel, which the US hopes could eventually lead to Damascus joining the Abraham Accords.
American frustration reportedly escalated following a recent Israeli ground operation in Beit Jinn, near Damascus. The operation, which Israel claimed targeted members of “Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya,” a Lebanese-based group, resulted in civilian casualties. The US official stated that the White House was not given prior notification of the Beit Jinn operation, and that Israel did not warn Syria through military channels as it has done in the past.
The official added that Netanyahu’s interventions in Syria, particularly the cross-border military actions ordered in recent days, are “not helpful at all.” The US continues to urge restraint, emphasizing the importance of a stable political transition in Syria. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
