Israel concerned over Sharaa's intentions in rebuilding Syria’s military, defense official says

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 16:35Updated: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 16:45Israel’s defense establishment is increasingly concerned about developments in Syria and the processes Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is leading as he seeks to rebuild the country, a senior defense official told Walla on Tuesday.The official said Sharaa remains deeply rooted in the ideology of his past as an extremist jihadist leader while simultaneously operating in a “super sophisticated” manner to advance his regime’s interests with the US, moderate Sunni Arab states, Europe, and other countries.“He knows how to speak to every audience and every person separately and adapt himself to the situation,” the senior official said.Addressing Sharaa’s broader objective, he added that the Syrian president “Is working to expand the international legitimacy of his regime in order to distance himself from his past image and prepare the ground for countries and major corporations to invest in Syria, similar to Bashar Assad at the beginning of his rule. Therefore, stability in the country is critical for him.”At the same time, the defense establishment’s concern stems primarily from Sharaa’s persistent efforts to rearm. The Syrian president wants to rehabilitate military bases and acquire weapons systems that could restrict the IDF’s freedom of operation, particularly that of the Israel Air Force.Israeli soldiers at a staging area near the Israeli border with Syria in northern Israel, February 28, 2026. (credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)Will Syrian leader Sharaa cause more issues for Israel?Among other things, he continues to allow elements hostile to Israel to establish themselves in Syrian territory under the banner of “cooperation” and “advising.”For Sharaa, the issue goes beyond acquiring and deploying air-defense systems that could challenge Israeli aircraft. One of the developments causing the greatest concern is the effort to rebuild Syria’s ground forces in formations including companies, battalions, and brigades, with the next stage expected to include the establishment of divisions.The senior official said Sharaa’s troops were not currently at a high level of operational readiness, but that he had already held several brigade-level exercises.“We are not taking any process lightly," the official said. "We have already seen what pickup trucks are capable of doing in Syria and Iraq, and also, perhaps primarily, in the Gaza Strip.”Turkey-Syria relationship more complicated than what appearsRelations between the current Syrian regime and Turkey appear positive from the outside, but in practice there are numerous complications between al-Sharaa and his associates and those of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the senior official said.Sharaa has benefited from Turkish support in the past, including in recent days, but Erdogan now wants to collect “payment” for Turkey’s assistance in bringing down Assad’s regime. The Turkish president is aware that such influence would also strengthen his standing with US President Donald Trump.However, not everyone in Sharaa’s circle is sympathetic toward Turkey or its patronizing approach on certain issues, particularly in light of an incident that occurred before rebel forces captured Damascus.The senior official also noted considerable hostility within the Sharaa regime toward Iran and Hezbollah. For the time being, that hostility has not translated into military action, apart from restrictions imposed on Shi’ites in Syria and efforts to strengthen enforcement along the Syrian-Lebanese border.The issue is viewed by the Lebanese military and Hezbollah as a potential flashpoint, amid persistent concern that should civil war erupt in Lebanon, al-Sharaa could attempt to enter Lebanese territory.According to the official, the Syrian president is not only interested in claiming territory. He also seeks revenge against Hezbollah over the terrorist organization’s involvement in the Syrian civil war.Israel worried over terrorism in southern SyriaAnother issue troubling Israel’s defense establishment is the scale of terrorist activity in southern Syria.Some argue it directly continues the civil war and reflects attempts by clans, sectarian groups, and influential forces to reshape the region. The Syrian regime opposes these developments but has not necessarily succeeded in curbing them.As a result, the IDF remains on high alert for developments in the area.Ultimately, Israel’s defense establishment understands that Sharaa’s Syria is still undergoing reconstruction and reorganization. The Syrian president is seeking to stabilize his rule, gain international legitimacy, and reopen his country to investment from the West and the Arab world.At the same time, as he rebuilds the Syrian military and continues his rearmament drive, Israel is still trying to determine the former jihadist’s precise intentions. The central question remains where the man who exchanged suicide belts and military fatigues for a tie and suit ultimately intends to take Syria.Follow us on Google