AiBotTel Aviv, Israel – In a recent statement, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed strong opposition to the military involvement of ISIS in Syria, citing potential threats to national security, particularly concerning the group’s proximity to Lebanon and its adversaries, Hezbollah.
During an interview with a local news outlet, Ben-Gvir voiced his disapproval over what he believes amounts to a reckless policy allowing the re-emergence of the notorious terrorist organization, stating: ‘God forbid. This is one evil replacing another.’ In his assessment, the resurgence of ISIS poses an imminent threat not only to Israel but the region as a whole, as evidenced by the group’s historical atrocities in regions such as Iraq and Syria.
Ben-Gvir’s comments come at a particularly sensitive time as ISIS, also known as the Islamic State, has reportedly begun advancing closer to the Israeli-Syrian border. This development has left many in Israel apprehensive about the renewed threat of terrorism emanating from this area. Moreover, the minister drew attention to the historical record of ISIS’s depraved violence, which includes mass killings, systematic rape, and other forms of brutality against various communities.
Furthermore, Ben-Gvir took aim at the potential for ISIS fighters to forge alliances or coordinate with other extremist groups within the region, including those affiliated with al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations operating out of Syria.
Hezbollah, a militant organization based in Lebanon, has a long-standing history of tension with Israel. Tensions further escalated in recent years due to ongoing conflicts between various proxy forces in Syria. As Hezbollah’s influence has grown, fears persist of an eventual large-scale confrontation with Israeli forces.
Ben-Gvir stated that the policies of allowing ISIS to return to areas near the Israeli-Syrian border amount to a ‘recklessness’ that may lead to unforeseen consequences. It is essential that regional leaders prioritize the elimination of extremist groups in a collective effort for regional stabilization, according to the minister.