Syria Directs State Resources Into Major Military Buildup, Raising Regional Alarms
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is diverting state resources into an aggressive military buildup, raising alarms in the IDF. Intelligence indicates he plans to target Hezbollah and Iranian militias, posing a future threat to Israel.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is redirecting most of the nation's resources—from tax revenues to international aid funds—toward building a large regular army and acquiring weapon systems. Instead of investing in infrastructure, state reconstruction, or the welfare of citizens who suffered through 15 years of war, the radical regime focuses on an arms race and efforts to conceal its buildup strategy. This move is causing growing concern and raising red flags within the intelligence community.
Syrian Military Ambitions and Regional Threats
According to IDF assessments, al-Sharaa's operational plans are designed for a moment when he can strike Hezbollah in Lebanon—his bitter enemy—and pro-Iranian Shia militias in Iraq.
It is assessed that he is waiting for the right timing: a combination of completing advanced stages in force building and a reduction of the American military presence in the region, with an emphasis on Iraq, in a way that would make it difficult for the United States to prevent the move.
European Support and Sunni Diplomacy
Against the backdrop of the buildup, European nations—led by Germany—are providing aid and a warm embrace to the Syrian president in order to halt the refugee flow and facilitate their return to the country. According to security officials, once Syria stabilizes and is no longer defined as a combat zone, Europeans will find it easier to justify returning refugees.
"Ahmed al-Sharaa wants to build Syria under him as a regional superpower that will look in all directions. The moment he decides, he will also turn military force against Israel," said a security source.
Israeli Readiness and Security Concerns
According to security sources, Israel missed a historical opportunity to reach an agreement with al-Sharaa back when he was very weak and just entering office. Facts on the ground regarding the border area and the status of the Israeli Golan Heights could have been established, but hesitation on the Israeli side and preoccupation with other arenas prevented progress.
Therefore, the IDF is required to step up intelligence gathering around the Syrian army, its personnel, and its capabilities, and to prepare operational plans in case it is required to launch a broad operation to thwart hostile intentions or a buildup that harms Israeli freedom of action or supremacy.
