Holding elections could take 4 years, says Syria’s de-facto leader Jolani, as Israel continues striking weapons

Syria’s de-facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) vowed to hold free elections in the country and promised his Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which currently dominates the caretaker government, will be dissolved.

The Islamist leader explained his plans for the country in a wide-ranging interview with the Saudi al-Hadath and al-Arabiya outlets on Sunday.

Several hours later, Syrian media reported an alleged Israeli airstrike in an industrial zone near the capital of Damascus, with conflicting reports indicating casualties ranging from six to over 20 people.

The aftermath of an alleged Israeli airstrike targeting a weapons depot near Adra in the outskirts of Damascus. Syrian media reports at least 20 people were killed in the strike with several others wounded on the industrial area.

pic.twitter.com/9Tnm9X4wFb

— Ariel Oseran (@ariel_oseran) December 29, 2024

Israel Hayom cited reports indicating that the strike targeted a weapons depot in the town of Adra, seemingly as part of Israel's ongoing efforts to eliminate in Syria weapons that could pose a future threat to Israel's security.

Syria’s new caretaker government, mainly made up of representatives of the Islamist HTS group, has so far struck a moderate tone regarding relations with Israel.

In his Sunday interview, al-Sharaa explained that he appointed HTS representatives to take over the government out of necessity, rather than to sideline other groups or consolidate power in his own hands.

He further promised to dissolve HTS alongside all other armed factions once a “National Dialogue Conference” is established, which would include representatives of all of Syria’s minorities.

“The organization will certainly be dissolved, and this will be announced at the National Dialogue Conference,” he said, adding that “Syria will not be a source of disturbance to anyone.”

According to al-Sharaa, the process of preparing and writing a new constitution for Syria may take about three years, while organizing elections may also require up to four years.

He noted that “any valid elections will require a comprehensive population census,” a process that would require considerable time.

Al-Sharaa also spoke about future relations with Iran, which was among the most important supporters of the Assad regime that was toppled by HTS less than a month ago.

He expressed hope that Iran would reconsider “its interventions” in the region and reconsider its policies. “A broad segment aspires to a positive Iranian role in the region,” he added.

Despite the moderate tones from the new government, Israeli leaders continue to voice substantial skepticism toward the new leadership in Syria.

“The reality in Syria hasn’t stabilized,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Sunday. “The regime in Damascus is essentially a gang – not a legitimate government.”