REUTERS/Shir Torem
Beyond the Brink: Israel’s Strategic Opportunity in Syria
What does Syria look like five months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad — both on the Syrian side and on the Israeli side of the border — and what are the risks and opportunities facing decision-makers in Jerusalem?
08/05/25
Interactive Map: The Lebanese Front
The map highlights the five IDF outposts located north of the Blue Line and marks areas where ceasefire violations have been recorded. Additionally, it documents Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Hezbollah attacks on Israel during the Swords of Iron War, including Operation Northern Arrows.
The map is continuously updated as accurately as possible, based on open-source intelligence assessments and media reports.
10/03/25
An International Mechanism for Stabilizing and Shaping the New Syria
With the rise of an Islamist regime in Syria, a new reality has emerged that presents both risks and opportunities for Israel. Although Iran has been pushed out of Syria, it is expected to attempt to renew its presence there. Meanwhile, Turkey is playing a central role in Syria, a development that could lead to political and military friction with Israel—potentially escalating in an extreme scenario to direct military confrontation. At the same time, Turkey is likely the only actor with both the motivation and capability to deploy ground forces to Syria. As such, it could play a positive role in stabilizing the country and reducing the risk of hostilities between Syria and Israel.
Syria’s reconstruction and stabilization will require significant resources and international cooperation. To this end, Israel should present the Trump administration with a proposal to establish an international coordinating mechanism for Syrian reconstruction under US leadership. From Israel’s perspective, an international mechanism such as this would help reduce the risks of military conflict with Syria; limit Turkey’s freedom of maneuver in Syria, thereby maximizing the benefits of its involvement while minimizing the dangers; and reduce the likelihood of Iran reestablishing a foothold in Syria.
Overt Israeli involvement in this mechanism would likely jeopardize its chances of success. Therefore, Israel’s role should be limited to presenting the idea to the US administration and working closely behind the scenes to safeguard its interests.
09/03/25