Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Israel sees strategic opportunities in Syria, with Netanyahu pushing for territorial control and alliances with minority groups. Increased military presence aims to protect borders. Conflicts among regional powers complicate the landscape, as Israel prepares for potential threats.
The recent political upheaval in Syria presents Israel with a unique strategic opportunity, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views the fall of Bashar al-Assad as paving the way for Israel’s influence in the region. In a video message, he highlighted that Syria’s chaos could lead to significant advantages for Israel. His government is considering fragmenting Syria into smaller autonomous regions, an idea supported by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who stressed the need for a federal system that respects local ways of life.
Netanyahu sees the current developments in Syria following the Hamas attack on October 7 as pivotal to Israel’s efforts to reshape the Middle East. He plans to strengthen territorial control and establish zones of influence through alliances with various minority groups situated in Syria. Netanyahu has also ordered increased military engagement in Syria, including airstrikes against Assad’s remnants and the seizure of Mount Hermon, a strategic position for Israel monitoring several borders.
Israel’s border with Syria, relatively stable since the 1967 war, is becoming ambiguous due to Israeli incursions. For over 50 years, both Hafez al-Assad and Bashar al-Assad maintained control over the country, leveraging sectarian divisions to thwart dissent while aligning with Iran. The new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is perceived to have moderated his stance towards Israel, yet regional tensions and violent conflicts threaten his regime’s stability, as illustrated by recent violent confrontations.
Israeli officials have signaled a prolonged military presence in Syria, citing concerns about the potential establishment of an Islamist regime near its borders. This reflects Israel’s proactive approach in safeguarding its national interests amidst Syria’s tumultuous political landscape. By courting minority groups such as the Druze and Kurdish populations, Israel aims to bolster its influence and mitigate the potential threats stemming from Syria.
Despite Netanyahu’s outreach to the Druze, whose members have historically been wary of Israeli motives, some in the community recognize Israel’s offers of protection amid fears of the rising power of Islamist factions in Syria. Parallel to this, Israel is keenly aware of the Kurdish forces and their vulnerability against Turkey, which has its own imperial ambitions in the region, complicating the landscape further.
While Israel’s maneuvers in Syria are vital, it is not the only country pursuing influence in the region. Turkey aims to reestablish its role through agreements with the new leadership, while Saudi Arabia seeks to counter Iran’s influence by supporting factions in Syria. Meanwhile, Russia’s grip has weakened, raising questions about which countries will dominate the power dynamics in Syria moving forward. Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will take necessary actions to ensure its safety and prevent hostile forces from establishing a presence near its borders in Syria.
The shifting political and military landscape in Syria offers Israel potential strategic gains following the upheaval caused by the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Netanyahu’s administration is actively seeking to expand Israeli influence through military engagement, partnerships with minority groups, and efforts to destabilize remaining loyalist factions. As regional powers, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, vie for influence, Israel remains vigilant in securing its borders against threats, showcasing its proactive approach to national security in an ever-changing regional environment.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
