Israel Security Concerns Rise Over Syria's President Al-Assad

Israeli security officials are expressing deep concern over the processes being advanced by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as the country recovers. A senior security source told "Walla" that Assad, despite his past as a radical jihad leader, is acting sophisticatedly to advance his regime's interests with the US, moderate Sunni Arab states, and Europe. His primary goal is to gain international legitimacy and pave the way for massive investments, similar to Bashar al-Assad's early career.

The main Israeli concern stems from Assad's relentless efforts to rearm, including rebuilding military bases and acquiring weapons systems. These efforts aim to limit the Israeli Air Force's freedom of movement and allow hostile elements to establish themselves in Syria. Beyond air defense, the Syrian president is rebuilding ground forces from company and battalion levels up to brigades and divisions, conducting brigade-level exercises despite low readiness.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are also on alert due to the scope of terrorism and attempts to reshape the southern Syrian landscape. Regionally, the Assad regime harbors significant animosity towards Iran and Hezbollah, evidenced by restrictions on Shiite activities and increased enforcement on the Lebanese border, possibly as revenge for Hezbollah's involvement in the Syrian civil war.

Relations with Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are complex. While Erdoğan supported Assad, he demands political concessions, and some within Assad's circle are wary of Turkish patronage. Ultimately, while Assad projects a moderate image to attract Western and Arab investment, Israeli security circles are trying to decipher his true intentions, recognizing that Syria is still in a phase of reshaping.