Israeli media took deep interest in Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's interview with Al Mayadeen, especially with regard to his statements on the occupation, resistance in the region, and the Iran-Saudi rapprochement under Chinese mediation.

Roi Kais, Arab Affairs Correspondent at Israeli channel Kan tweeted Raisi's comments on Iran's policy of support to the resistance, where he underlined "We never hesitate to support the resistance, and we will not hesitate. Ever. And my visit to Syria comes within the framework of supporting the resistance."

Raz Tziment, an Israeli expert on Iranian affairs, retweeted Kais, saying that President Raisi's comments are "exciting," and claiming that his visit to Syria "is primarily intended to turn the dozens of agreements for economic cooperation, which have been signed in recent years between Iran and Syria, from recycled pieces of paper into significant economic opportunities for Iranian companies."

Moreover, Shahar Keliman claimed in Israel Hayom that "Raisi gave an interview yesterday evening to the Lebanese Al Mayadeen channel, on the eve of his visit to Syria today, and he issued threats against Israel."

1/5 #AlMayadeen Exclusive | #Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reveals some details regarding the events that led to the rapprochement between #Tehran and #Riyadh. pic.twitter.com/eFP5oORY3g

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 2, 2023

Keliman added in his report that "during his visit to Syria, Raisi is expected to go on a field tour where he will announce a series of economic projects," adding that he "will also address security issues." 

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Regarding the resumption of relations with Saudi Arabia, Raisi said, "The enemies are angry because of the restoration of relations, including the Zionist entity."  

As for the situation in "Israel", the President of Iran stated that “the Zionist entity cannot provide security within its borders, as the circumstances are very different from the past, and it is clear to everyone that the Sharm el-Sheikh, Camp David and Oslo agreements can never provide security for this entity,” stressing that "the decision today is in the hands of the Palestinian mujahideen and is not at the political negotiating table." 

Furthermore, Yossi Yehoshua, a military correspondent for Yedioth Ahronoth said via Twitter, "An opportunity lost: Today the president of Iran will visit Syria, a significant response against Gaza was not only required but an excellent opportunity to restore the deterrence that was damaged in the northern front. But the opportunity was missed."

Raisi arrives in Syria

President Raisi arrived in Syria today while heading a high-level political and economic delegation on Wednesday after accepting an official invitation issued by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, which marks the first official visit of an Iranian President to Damascus in 13 years.

In his two-day visit to Syria, the Iranian delegation will discuss pathways to strengthen the political relations and expand economic relations between the two countries.

The Iranian President is also set to attend a joint meeting between Iranian and Syrian businessmen as well as complete scheduled visits to religious sites in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The Syrian newspaper Al Watan reported that various cooperation agreements between the two countries, in addition to memorandums of understanding encompass multiple issues but specifically target energy and electricity sectors.

Read more: Exclusive interview with Raisi: Iran ready to join BRICS.