Israel did not inform the US before attacks on Damascus

US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce answered questions from journalists at a press briefing held at the State Department.

Conveying US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement that the events in southwestern Syria were rooted in historical animosities between different groups in the region, Bruce quoted Rubio as saying, "This situation led to an unfortunate incident and, apparently, a misunderstanding between Israel and Syria. US officials have been in constant contact with both sides throughout the night and since the morning hours. They believe that real progress has been made in de-escalating the tension. The goal is to restore calm and continue efforts for the stabilization and reconstruction of Syria."

"IT NEEDS TO WITHDRAW FROM THE REGION"

When asked what the US wants to see in Syria, Bruce said, "The conflict must end, the violence must stop, Israel must withdraw, and the Syrian government must also withdraw from the region."

"TENSION MUST BE DE-ESCALATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE"

Regarding a question on whether the US asked Israel to stop its attacks, Bruce said, "I cannot speak about private diplomatic discussions or contacts. However, there are a few points that can help you understand what is happening. We are calling on the Syrian government to withdraw its military forces. This will allow all parties to de-escalate the tension and find a way forward. I think this is what should be targeted given the nature of what has happened. The Secretary's characterization of this situation as a ‘misunderstanding’ also reveals that he is optimistic that this can be achieved."

Bruce stated, "The President and the Secretary indicated that what happened between Israel and Syria was a classic misunderstanding. There are, of course, long-term issues between tribes in the region. But right now, the best among us are dealing with this situation, and that includes the leaders of the countries involved. The President and the Secretary expressed that they expect the tension to be de-escalated as soon as possible."

"WE ARE INVOLVED AND DEALING WITH THE SITUATION"

Responding to a question about the US's heavy investment in cooperation with the Syrian government and how the recent situation would affect US relations with the new government in Syria, Bruce said, "We know that we have made a very serious commitment to this, and we are in the midst of a major effort to stabilize Syria. Ambassador Barrack is leading this process. It is clear that we are closely following the situation where tension has increased. We are involved and dealing with the situation. The Secretary's statements that this is essentially a communication problem are very clear. I think this is different from a real escalation of tension. I think we will hear more about this from the Secretary and the President as the day progresses. Neither of them gave any indication that this is a crisis that cannot be solved. On the contrary, they stated that the situation will be resolved."

Bruce added, "Israeli forces intervened to protect the Druze. We can confirm this. But I think the Secretary's statements already speak for themselves."

"TO MY KNOWLEDGE, NO NOTIFICATION WAS GIVEN"

When asked whether Israel had provided prior information to the US regarding its intention to attack the Syrian capital, Damascus, Bruce replied, "To my knowledge, no notification was given. I think the reactions of the President and the Secretary of State show that we act as we should when we encounter an unexpected situation."

Stating that developments were moving very quickly and that US President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio were involved rapidly, Bruce said, "President Trump has handled this matter personally. Therefore, the Syrians, the people in the region, the Israelis, and the Syrian government now know that America is here, on the ground, fully involved in the process, and determined. President Trump is dealing with every aspect of the incident."

Regarding a question about Israel's claim that it intervened to protect the Druze community, while the Israeli attacks targeted areas near the Presidential Palace in Damascus and the General Staff Headquarters, Bruce replied that she could not comment on how Israel makes its decisions or what it should do. Bruce said, "We are involved in the process within the framework of stopping this conflict and de-escalating the tension. I have no doubt that we will have more answers on this in the coming days."

News Source: İHA