A commander from the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) militant group has reportedly expressed hope for friendly relations with Israel, urging the occupying regime to extend both political and military support for their insurgency against the Syrian government.
In an article published on Friday, the Times of Israel quoted an unnamed FSA commander as stressing the need for a clear political stance from the Israeli regime.
“We have enough fighters on the ground. What we need from Israel is a clear political stance against the Assad regime,” he stated.
The commander also called for increased aerial support from the Israeli regime, suggesting that the regime should attack the forces in Syria “wherever it sees them.”
“We are trying to block them on the roads and ambush them, but Israel should also take action from the air,” said the commander.
Highlighting the potential for friendship, he noted that the armed group is open to alliances “with everyone in the region – including Israel.”
He also referenced recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, stating that they have significantly aided the militant group in its advancements on Syrian soil.
“We are thankful to Israel for its strikes against Hezbollah,” he said, adding, “We hope that after the fall of Assad, Israel will plant a rose in the Syrian garden and will support the Syrian people.”
Asked about the future of Syria, the militant commander affirmed, “We will go for full peace with Israel, we will live side by side as neighbors,” insisting that the group has never made “any critical comments about Israel.”
His comments come as militants, having suffered setbacks due to years of retaliatory operations by the Syrian military and its allies, are attempting to regroup in northern Syria.
There are growing reports of substantial Western and Israeli support for anti-Damascus factions, including those affiliated with Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham.
The Syrian military continues its extensive campaign, reversing some of the territorial gains by the militants.