Israel Pressuring U.S. to Maintain Russian Military Presence in Syria Amid Clashes Near Damascus
Executive Summary
Israel is lobbying the United States to keep Syria weak and decentralized, including by allowing Russia to maintain its military bases in the country. Israeli officials argue that Russian forces help counterbalance Turkey’s influence in Syria, particularly as Ankara supports the new Islamist government that replaced Bashar al-Assad. The lobbying efforts, which took place in Washington and in meetings with U.S. congressional representatives, reflect Israel’s growing concern over a hostile presence along its northern border. Meanwhile, clashes have erupted in the Druze-majority city of Jaramana, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directing the IDF to prepare for possible intervention to protect the Druze population from the Syrian government’s forces.
Analysis
Israel’s push to influence U.S. policy in Syria underscores its strategic interests in preventing the stabilization of the war-torn country under a new Islamist government. By advocating for continued Russian military presence, Israel seeks to ensure Syria remains fragmented and weak, reducing the likelihood of a unified government hostile to Israeli interests. Turkey’s deepening involvement in Syria, particularly its support for Islamist factions, is a key Israeli concern, as Ankara’s backing of anti-Israel actors threatens regional security.
The situation is further complicated by the growing unrest in Syria’s Druze-majority areas, particularly in Jaramana, where Israeli leadership has publicly declared its willingness to intervene if the Druze population comes under attack. The deployment of IDF troops to a UN-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria and Netanyahu’s insistence on indefinite Israeli military presence in parts of the Golan Heights signal a broader policy of direct engagement to shape Syria’s future.
The broader geopolitical implications of Israel’s strategy also involve the United States. The Trump administration has yet to clarify its Syria policy, leaving uncertainty over whether sanctions will remain in place and whether U.S. forces will continue to operate in the northeast. While Israel has long viewed Iranian and Hezbollah forces in Syria as its primary threats, the post-Assad political landscape has introduced new security concerns—particularly the potential for Syrian Islamist factions to align with Turkey against Israeli interests.
As tensions escalate in both Syria and Lebanon, the risk of a wider conflict grows. Israel’s sustained military operations, including targeted airstrikes on Syrian territory, indicate its intent to shape the regional balance of power. With U.S. involvement in Syria still uncertain, Israel’s diplomatic efforts may influence Washington’s next moves, determining the extent of future American engagement in the conflict.
