On Thursday, Israel formally condemned the Syrian government for launching military strikes against the Kurdish community in Aleppo.

This diplomatic friction arises just days after both nations had agreed to a joint communication mechanism intended to de-escalate long-standing bilateral tensions. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the Syrian regime's actions as a "grave and dangerous" repression of minorities that undermines the vision of a "new Syria."

The violence follows the breakdown of a March agreement meant to integrate the Kurds' semi-autonomous administration and military into Syria’s current Islamist government.

While the Kurdish leadership is advocating for a decentralized governing structure, the new Syrian authorities have rejected the proposal, insisting on centralized rule. Despite public assurances from Damascus regarding the safety of all citizens, ethnic and religious minorities remain deeply concerned about their future under the post-Assad leadership.

Saar warned that international silence could embolden further violence, noting that the West owes a "debt of honor" to the Kurdish forces for their pivotal role in the defeat of ISIS.

This condemnation complicates a fragile diplomatic opening; earlier this week, under pressure from the United States, Israel and Syria had agreed to an unprecedented intelligence-sharing cell to reduce the risk of accidental conflict.

US President Donald Trump has been actively brokering a security deal between the two historical adversaries, even hosting Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Washington recently.

However, Israel remains highly skeptical of the former jihadist leader. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel has maintained a heightened military presence in the Golan Heights demilitarized zone and continues to conduct frequent strikes and incursions within Syrian territory to safeguard its borders.