Israeli assessments: Sharaa is building up Syrian army — Jerusalem Post
Israeli security agencies believe that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is directing most of the country’s resources toward building a large regular army and purchasing weapons. This is reported by the Jerusalem Post, citing Israeli security assessments.
According to the publication, tax revenues and international aid may be used to build up military capabilities. Israeli sources claim that the Syrian authorities are simultaneously trying to conceal their military strengthening strategy, raising concerns within the Israeli intelligence community.
Possible military plans
As follows from assessments by the Israel Defense Forces, Sharaa may be planning actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and pro-Iranian Shiite militias in Iraq. The publication’s sources suggest that he is waiting for key stages of force-building to be completed, as well as for a reduction in the US military presence in the region, primarily in Iraq. In their view, this could make it more difficult for the United States to prevent such actions.
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Contacts with Europe and Gulf states
European countries led by Germany are providing Syria with aid and maintaining contacts with its president, seeking to curb the flow of refugees and create conditions for their return. According to Jerusalem Post sources, once Syria is stabilized, it will be easier for European governments to justify the return of refugees.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to the publication, are trying to bring Sharaa closer to their countries. They are investing in him and granting him honors, seeking to soften his political course and distance him from extremist elements.
One of the newspaper’s sources said that relations between Syria and Turkey remain complicated. According to him, Sharaa will not rush to hand over territories to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan or allow Ankara to control military bases in Syria. Israeli sources also believe that the Israeli army should intensify intelligence gathering on Syrian forces, their personnel and capabilities, and prepare for a possible large-scale confrontation.
