In December, after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu observed potential opportunities from the chaos that has ensued in Syria. This major shift has allowed Netanyahu to significantly advance his objectives in the Middle East, particularly the restructuring of Syria into smaller, manageable regions governed by various ethnic and religious groups.
Following Assad’s fall, Netanyahu initiated a bold military campaign, marking a departure from Israel’s previously maintained cautious approach toward Syria, which spanned over 50 years. An unprecedented ground push into Syrian territory has seen Israeli troops advance deeper into the country, and Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes aimed at hinders Assad’s military capabilities from falling into the hands of extremist factions.
Recently, tensions grew as Israel targeted radar sites and military installations, reinforcing its military footprint in the region. The Israeli military has stated its intention to maintain a presence in Syria indefinitely, especially to protect ethnic minorities such as the Druze and Kurds from potential threats posed by the new regime under Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist leader linked to Al-Qaeda.
Notably, Trump’s first term played a pivotal role in shaping these developments. During his presidency, Trump endorsed Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, a move the international community widely condemned. Israel’s recent territorial ambitions in Syria blur longstanding border lines, which had been relatively stable since the 1967 war. With the backing of the Trump administration, Israel’s actions reflect a broader ambition to exert influence in a region ripe for fragmentation amid ongoing strife.
As Netanyahu looks to ally with Syria’s Druze community, many are apprehensive of being caught in the geopolitical crossfire. Some community members silently welcome Israeli intervention as a hedge against growing Islamist control, while others vocally oppose any perceived partnership with Israel, fearing fragmentation along sectarian lines.
The recent killings of over 800 individuals underscore the potential for increased violence and instability as minority factions within Syria grapple with new leadership dynamics and external pressures from Israel and Turkey. While Israel aims to assure its security through military action, the long-term consequences of these strategies remain uncertain, raising concerns about a potential escalation of conflict that could engulf the region further.