Syrian Foreign Minister says his Country is Ready for War with Israel

Damascus, historically resilient in the face of regional tensions, asserts its unwavering readiness to defend its territory against potential military confrontations with Israel, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad affirmed during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Damascus. The high-level discussions delved into joint support for Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Mekdad underscored Syria’s long-standing resistance to Israel, dating back to 1948 when the first Arab-Israeli war unfolded. He emphasized the country’s preparedness to engage in conflicts when deemed necessary, while underscoring the strategic significance of the Golan Heights, a region in southwestern Syria currently under Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War. Reclaiming the Golan Heights stands out as a paramount objective for Syria, with Mekdad expressing the nation’s readiness to endure any sacrifices required for liberation efforts.

Additionally, Mekdad condemned the presence of US and Turkish forces in Syria, labeling it as illegitimate and calling for their withdrawal. Amir-Abdollahian echoed these sentiments, decrying the “illegal presence of foreign troops in Syria” and accusing both the US and Israel of engaging in actions tantamount to genocide against the Palestinian population.

This diplomatic exchange comes against the backdrop of recent US airstrikes in Syria, responding to rocket and drone attacks on American bases. The Pentagon attributed these strikes to Iran-linked militant groups responsible for the January 28 bombing of an outpost in Jordan known as Tower 22, where three US soldiers lost their lives. Syria vehemently condemned these airstrikes as illegal under international law. As geopolitical tensions continue to simmer, the dynamics in the region remain highly complex and interconnected.