Israel allegedly received list of military targets from Assad for safe passage

Turkish columnist Abdulkadir Selvi claimed that, as anti-regime forces were overthrowing Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Assad provided Israel with a list of key military targets in exchange for a guarantee of safe passage.

This list reportedly included weapons depots, missile centers, and fighter jets—locations that the Syrian opposition was unaware of.

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Key details

• Israel has targeted critical military sites in Syria, such as weapons depots and missile facilities, which the Syrian opposition did not know about. The question arises as to how Israel obtained this information.
• According to Selvi, Assad gave Israel the list in return for assurances that his plane would not be targeted and his escape would not face interference in Syrian airspace.
• This claim suggests that, in his final moments in power, Assad effectively sold out his country to ensure his safe escape.

Context:

• Assad was ousted after just 11 days of fighting. He fled the country, and Mohammed al-Bashir has since assumed the role of interim leader.
• According to U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, Syria will undergo constitutional reforms and hold elections within the next 18 months.

What’s next for Syria:

• The transitional government will begin by drafting a new constitution, followed by forming new political parties and elections under U.N. supervision.

Israel’s ongoing strikes on key military sites have raised questions about the dynamics surrounding Assad’s flight and his dealings with Israel during his final days in power.

Big picture

Assad’s departure marks a turning point for Syria, and the decisions made by both Israel and Assad during his escape could have significant implications for the region’s future.