A new tension appears to be rapidly taking shape in Middle Eastern politics. In a detailed report, the Israeli newspaper Maariv claimed that Syria’s new ruler Ahmad al-Jolani (Ahmad al-Shara), with Turkish support, is rapidly restructuring the Syrian military — a process that could become a “direct threat” to Israel, particularly the Golan Heights, in the future.
According to the report, Israeli security agencies and military officials are deeply concerned that al-Jolani is not only consolidating power, but is also attempting to rebuild Syria’s air force, missile units, artillery systems, and armored military infrastructure. Israeli military officials reportedly said that “we do not trust this regime” and described it as a government driven by a “radical Islamist-jihadist ideology.”
These concerns are emerging at a time when, after October 7, 2023, Israel has adopted a far more aggressive strategy aimed at preventing any potentially hostile military force from emerging near its borders.
The report also stated that Israel fears Sunni groups in Lebanon, under pressure from Hezbollah, could in the future seek assistance from al-Jolani. Such a development could provide Syria’s new leadership with an opportunity to expand its influence inside Lebanon. In response, the Israeli military has reportedly increased troop deployments and surveillance activities along the Syrian border.
But it is not only media reports — statements from senior Israeli leaders are also reflecting the growing tension openly.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently warned al-Jolani that if any threat to Israel’s security emerged from Syrian territory, “he would pay a heavy price.”
In another statement, Katz reportedly said that “every morning when al-Jolani opens his eyes in the presidential palace in Damascus, he will see Israeli soldiers watching him from Mount Hermon.” The statement came as the Israeli military expanded its presence and outposts in southern Syria.
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir went even further, reportedly calling for al-Jolani to be “eliminated.” According to European media reports, Ben-Gvir stated that “once a jihadist, always a jihadist,” and argued that eliminating al-Jolani was “the only solution.”
On the other hand, international human rights organizations and some Western media outlets have raised serious concerns about Israel’s policy in southern Syria. Human Rights Watch recently accused Israel of violating international law through settlement expansion and military activity in the Golan region, describing such actions as potentially amounting to “war crimes.”
Meanwhile, some reports have also suggested that Israel has increased covert contacts and cooperation with Druze communities and local militias in Syria in an effort to establish a “buffer zone” in southern Syria.
Interestingly, al-Jolani himself has repeatedly stated that “Syria is not prepared for war with Israel,” emphasizing that his priority is rebuilding the country and seeking relief from sanctions.
Despite this, distrust toward him continues to deepen within Israeli political and military circles. At times, Israel is accused of destabilizing Syria, while Israel argues that it is acting only to prevent “future threats.”
What is becoming increasingly clear in this new geopolitical struggle in the Middle East is that the triangle of the Golan Heights, southern Syria, and Lebanon could become the center of a major future confrontation — and the growing anxiety surrounding al-Jolani in Israeli media is being viewed as an early sign of that possible conflict.
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