Israel has watched the rapid overthrow of the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with a mixture of hope and concern as officials weigh the consequences of one of the most significant strategic shifts in the Middle East in years.
The article from Reuters, published on December 8, 2024, discusses Israel's heightened alertness following the historic fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Israel has been closely monitoring the situation in Syria due to the potential power vacuum and the rise of various factions, including Iranian-backed groups, which could pose a security threat. The Israeli military has increased its surveillance and readiness along the Syrian border, with officials expressing concerns over the possible transfer of advanced weapons to Hezbollah or other anti-Israel groups. The article also mentions that the fall of Assad has led to a complex and volatile situation in Syria, with multiple international players, including Russia, Turkey, and the United States, all vying for influence in the post-Assad era. Israel's Defense Minister emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness for any scenario that might emerge from the Syrian turmoil.
