Israel's strategy for a fragmented Syria faces setbacks

An analysis by Haaretz columnist Zvi Barel suggests that Israel's strategic efforts to maintain a fragmented Syria through ethnic and sectarian leverage are being undermined. The reported agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the administration of President Ahmed al-Shara appears to accelerate a process of Syrian unification supported by both Washington and Ankara.

Previously, Israel viewed the SDF and certain Druze groups in the Suwayda region as strategic assets that could serve as intelligence buffers or tools to prevent a centralized Syrian government from exerting authority over the entire country. This strategy aimed to limit the influence of Damascus, Tehran, and Ankara by fostering regional autonomy.

However, the shift toward a unified Syrian state under al-Shara's leadership contradicts Israel's previous objectives. The alignment of international actors, including the United States, toward supporting a cohesive Syrian administration suggests that the era of utilizing minority groups to prevent central authority is diminishing.