Syria Betrays Palestine? Al-Julani Strikes Down Militant Allies in Shocking U-Turn!

Once a hotbed of anti-Israel rhetoric and militant strategy, Damascus has gone eerily quiet. In a dramatic turn of events, Syria’s new government, led by Ahmad al-Shara—commonly known as al-Julani—has begun a sweeping crackdown on Palestinian militant groups operating within its borders. These are the very groups that, for decades, found safe haven under Bashar al-Assad’s regime and acted as Iran’s proxy in its shadow war against Israel. But now, a new chapter is being written—one that aligns Damascus with Washington, Riyadh, and potentially even Tel Aviv.

This move comes amidst growing speculation that Syria may soon join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel—an unthinkable idea just a few years ago. And while such a diplomatic leap hasn’t officially materialized, the crackdown on Iranian-backed Palestinian factions signals a decisive pivot.

From Ally to Adversary: Palestinian Militants on the Run

Palestinian groups such as Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC) have long operated from Damascus, with direct support from Iran. At one point, even Hamas had a presence in the Syrian capital. But that era is now rapidly collapsing.

On May 3rd, reports emerged that Syrian authorities had detained PFLP-GC leader Talal Naji. Just days earlier, dozens of Islamic Jihad members were arrested and jailed. These aren’t random arrests—they are part of a larger strategy by Syria’s new leadership to root out Iranian influence and sever ties with its militant past.

The American Hand: New Friends, New Priorities

This crackdown didn’t happen in a vacuum. It follows a significant uptick in diplomatic engagement between Syria’s new leadership and the United States. President Donald Trump reportedly met with al-Shara in Riyadh in mid-May, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently emphasized the importance of bringing Syria into the fold. Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and now special envoy to Syria, wrote on May 23:

“Lifting sanctions on Syria will help us ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS and give the Syrian people a chance at a better future. Working with regional partners like Turkey and the Gulf, we aim to help Damascus restore hope, peace, and prosperity. In President Trump’s words: ‘We will work together, and we will succeed together.’”

These statements aren’t just rhetoric—they are a clear message to the world that a new Syria is being shaped in Washington’s image.

Banners Torn Down, Headquarters Shuttered

As reports from Al Arabiya and France24 confirm, the pressure on militant groups has been relentless. Many of their leaders—once cozy with the Assad regime—have fled the country. Their assets have been seized. Their offices in and around Damascus have been closed. In the war-torn Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp, once a militant stronghold, banners have been torn down and symbols of resistance have vanished.

One source told France24:

“The groups have fully handed over their weapons at their headquarters…”

Another added:

“We collected and surrendered our arms ourselves, though we retained light personal weapons for safety.”

What was once a hub of anti-Israel coordination is now a ghost town.

The Iran Factor: A Fading Shadow

Iran’s decades-long investment in Syria’s militant network appears to be unraveling. By backing Assad during the civil war, Iran ensured Damascus remained a key node in the ‘Axis of Resistance’—a loose alliance of anti-Israel forces. But al-Julani’s government wants none of it. Instead, it’s actively dismantling that structure to prove its allegiance to new allies in the West and Gulf.

And therein lies the geopolitical shockwave: Syria is no longer a staging ground for Iran’s regional ambitions. It’s becoming, instead, a potential bridge between Washington and the Arab world—and perhaps even Israel.

The Old Guard Flees, a New Order Rises

According to Al Arabiya, many of the pro-Assad militant leaders who once felt untouchable are now being harassed, stripped of wealth, and shown the door. Property confiscations, public shaming, and imprisonment have become routine as Damascus purges its past. The message is unmistakable: the era of proxy warfare from Syrian soil is over.

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