Israeli intelligence officer criticizes the US envoy to Syria and predicts dangerous events in the coming period

Hanan Geffen, the former commander of Israel’s 8200 intelligence unit, made alarming statements about the future of the situation in Syria, predicting dangerous events in the coming weeks.

He also sharply criticized US envoy Tom Barrack, whom he described as “not listening to intelligence personnel familiar with the complexities of the Syrian arena”.

In a television interview, Geffen likened Barak to previous figures who misjudged reality, saying, ” Barrack is a businessman and a friend of US President Donald Trump, but he lacks experience in the Middle East and doesn’t understand the complexity of the Syrian issue”.

He added that his disregard for expert warnings would make him a tragic figure in the Syrian scene, noting that what happened in Sweida could be repeated in other areas.

Geffen warned of the possibility of clashes erupting in Kurdish or Alawite areas, particularly in Tartus and the Syrian coast, where forces outside the control of the new regime are present, according to him.

He pointed out that recent Israeli airstrikes in the Tartus and Latakia countryside reveal the presence of extremist groups, foreshadowing a potential escalation in those areas.

Israeli warnings aren’t limited to security matters, but also extend to expectations of a collapse in international support for Syria.

Geffen said that aid, including salaries funded by Qatar, could soon cease, emphasizing that “what is happening on the ground doesn’t reflect the diplomatic image promoted by conferences and smiles”.

In concluding his remarks, Geffen emphasized that Washington will soon realize that ignoring intelligence on Syria was a grave mistake, and that the US envoy doesn’t adequately represent US interests.

While military activity intensifies in sensitive areas, all eyes remain on the developments on the ground that may reshape the Syrian landscape in the coming days.