The Syrian rebel offensive, spearheaded by Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group supported by Turkey, commenced on Wednesday. On Sunday, Israeli officials assess that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is allowing Iranian forces into Syria to bolster his regime and counter rebel factions in the ongoing civil war. This move could significantly affect the dynamics along Israel's northern border.
The entry of Iranian forces marks a pivotal shift in the military landscape of the Syrian conflict, intending to secure Assad's regime, suppressing the opposition, and strengthening Iran's regional influence.
Israeli concerns about Iranian proximity to the border
One of Israel's primary concerns has been that Assad, in his bid to navigate the crisis, would increasingly rely on Iran, effectively bringing the Islamic Republic closer to Israel's borders. However, Israeli assessments suggest that the recent offensives in Aleppo and Idlib may be linked to the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
This ceasefire is perceived as a blow to the Iranian axis, potentially encouraging rebel forces. From Israel's perspective, the greater fear lies in the establishment of military camps near the Syrian border and an overall increase in military presence in the country, which could destabilize the fragile quiet along the northern front.
Israel continues to monitor the situation in Syria closely. A senior official told Israel Hayom, "We are prepared for any scenario."
