An Israeli Knesset member says anti-Damascus rebels in Syria have expressed willingness to “be friends” with the Tel Aviv regime if the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad falls.
According to a report published by Israeli Ynet news agency, Israeli Labor Party member Isaac Herzog declared on Wednesday Syrian rebel leaders have informed him of their intention to have “peace with Israel” if the Damascus government falls.
Herzog claimed the sources that informed him of the matter were “aligned with the main rebel factions in Syria.” However, there has been no confirmation from the Syrian rebels on the issue so far.
The Israeli official, according to the report, also held a meeting with “Syrian exiles” in Washington last year. Herzog said during the meeting that after the “Assad era there is a chance for positive processes vis-a-vis Israel.”
The latest remarks by Herzog came days after the Syrian president reiterated on February 20 that “some foreign countries” are fueling the turmoil in Syria by supporting and funding “armed terrorist groups fighting against the government.”
Syria has been experiencing unrest since mid-March 2011, with demonstrations being held both against and in favor of President Assad.
HSN/MB/MA
