Egypt Daily News – The chairman of the National Security Committee in the Israeli Knesset, Boaz Bismuth, sparked widespread controversy with his statements asserting that Syria should be “completely subordinate” to Israel and “A Bridge to the Euphrates and Iraq”.
The chairman of the National Security Committee in the Israeli Knesset, Boaz Bismuth, sparked widespread controversy with his remarks asserting that Syria should be “completely subordinate” to Israel.
He stated that Tel Aviv would not allow the emergence of a military power in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. During a budget approval session in the Knesset, Bismuth said: “Damascus must be under full Israeli control, and we will ensure it comes under our authority. Syria is our bridge to the Euphrates, and we will reach Iraq and Kurdistan in the future.”
Bismuth’s statements coincided with a visit by the commander of the Israeli military’s Northern Command, General Ori Gordin, to the demilitarized zone in southern Syria.
However, the Knesset member later denied making these remarks, claiming they were “fabricated” using artificial intelligence.
An Israeli military statement confirmed that Gordin toured the demilitarized zone, conducting a security assessment alongside other senior commanders. The visit was part of routine inspections to assess readiness and discipline within the Northern Command.
In a related development, Israeli Minister of National Security Yisrael Katz announced an unprecedented government plan to support the Druze and Circassian communities in Israel with over $1 billion in funding.
Katz stated that the government would soon allow Druze workers from Syria to work in Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. He added: “As Minister of National Security, I salute their loyalty, bravery, and contributions to Israel’s security during critical times. We will continue to strengthen them and protect their brethren in Syria from any threats.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting the Druze community in Syria and the region while supporting them within Israeli society.
Netanyahu stated, “We are working on a program that includes providing over $1 billion for the Druze community.” Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced preparations to establish a large immigration administration within the Ministry of Security, allocating 2.3 billion shekels to infrastructure projects in Druze towns.
Bismuth’s statements and the Druze support plan raise questions about Israel’s broader objectives in Syria and the region. While Israel claims its support for the Druze aims to enhance their security and protection, analysts suggest these initiatives may be part of a wider strategy to expand Israeli influence in the region, especially amid rapid developments in Syria.
These statements are expected to provoke international reactions, particularly from countries that view Israeli intervention in Syria as a threat to regional stability. They may also escalate tensions with the Syrian government and its regional allies, such as Iran and Russia.
