Syrian President Building Military to Target Hezbollah, Israel

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is diverting the majority of the country's resources, including tax revenues and international aid, towards building a large regular army and acquiring weapons systems. Instead of investing in infrastructure repair or citizen welfare after 15 years of war, the regime is focused on an arms race and attempting to conceal its military buildup, raising concerns within the intelligence community.

According to assessments from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) published by Walla, Assad's operational plans are intended for a moment when he can strike Hezbollah and pro-Iranian Shiite militias in Iraq. He is reportedly waiting for a combination of completing his military build-up and a reduction in the American military presence in the region.

Meanwhile, European nations, led by Germany, are providing aid and support to the Syrian president to stem the flow of refugees and prepare for their return to Syria once it is no longer considered a combat zone. Concurrently, moderate Sunni states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are investing funds and offering recognition to Assad, aiming to moderate his agenda and distance him from extremist elements.

Security officials noted that Assad's relations with Turkey are complex, and he has no intention of ceding territory or bases to Ankara. They suggested that a recent Israeli strike in Syria indirectly aided Assad. According to these officials, Assad aspires to transform Syria into a regional power, and at a time of his choosing, he will direct military force against Israel.

Security sources told Walla that Israel missed a historic opportunity to reach an agreement with Assad early in his tenure when he was weaker, which could have established facts on the ground regarding the border and the Golan Heights. Consequently, the IDF must increase its intelligence gathering efforts around the Syrian army and prepare operational plans to thwart hostile intentions, viewing a future confrontation as a matter of time.