The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) increased its military presence along the Syrian border in the Golan Heights on Friday in response to rapid advances by Syrian rebels against the Assad regime. The move comes as rebel forces, including Islamist factions, capture key cities like Aleppo and Hama, forcing regime troops to retreat.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government is backed by Russia and Iran, faces mounting pressure as rebels unite in the south and north. Iran-backed Hezbollah forces, which supported Assad in the Syrian civil war, have suffered defeats in Lebanon, weakening their influence in the region. Assad’s forces are reportedly pulling back to defend Damascus amid fears of a rebel takeover.
The IDF released a statement Friday detailing its preparations in light of the escalating conflict:
“Based on the situational assessment that has been ongoing since yesterday in the General Staff and Northern Command, and following developments in the internal conflict in Syria, the IDF is reinforcing aerial and ground forces in the Golan Heights area. IDF troops are deployed along the border and the IDF is monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike. The IDF will not tolerate threats near the Israeli border and will thwart any threat against the State of Israel.”
Israel has avoided taking sides in the conflict, viewing both Assad’s regime and the rebels as hostile. However, concerns remain over the potential fallout from Assad’s collapse, including the rise of Islamist factions or increased Iranian activity near the Israeli border. The IDF aims to contain any spillover violence and secure Israeli territory in the Golan Heights, captured during the Six-Day War in 1967.
Iran and Russia, key allies of Assad, appear weakened by the recent developments. While Russia conducted limited airstrikes on rebel targets last week, it has provided little direct assistance. Iran has dispatched advisers and militias to bolster Assad, but these efforts have not stopped the rebels’ advance.
The evolving situation raises questions about the stability of the region and the future of Syria as one of the Middle East’s longest-standing dictatorships teeters on the brink of collapse.