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Israel’s love of Kurds weaponized by their foes

Israel's support of Kurdish autonomy in Syria is not always welcomed — at least publicly — by Syria's Kurds.
Israelis protest in support of the Kurdish people opposite to the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel October 13, 2019. REUTERS/Amir Cohen - RC17449A4DA0
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On Oct. 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Israel strongly condemns the Turkish invasion of the Kurdish areas in Syria and warns against the ethnic cleansing of the Kurds by Turkey and its proxies.” He continued, “Israel is prepared to extend humanitarian assistance to the gallant Kurdish people.”

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely informed the Knesset Nov. 6 that Netanyahu’s offer had materialized. “Israel has received many requests for assistance, mainly in the diplomatic and humanitarian realm," she said. "We identify with the deep distress of the Kurds, and we are assisting them through a range of channels.” An Israeli Foreign Ministry official, speaking not for attribution, insisted that the aid was “purely humanitarian” when pressed by Al-Monitor for clarification. But he gave no further details.

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