Tel Aviv Considers Cooperation with Syrian Rebels Against Hezbollah Amid Security Concerns
Hebrew media have reported that following the failure of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon to achieve their declared objectives, Tel Aviv is exploring new security arrangements against Hezbollah. These plans potentially include reaching an understanding with the rebel government controlling Syria. It is said that these consultations may be mediated by the United States.
The newspaper Maariv wrote that within Israeli circles, the assessment is growing stronger that the military option has not managed to weaken Hezbollah. According to some Israeli officials, the current situation on the northern borders can no longer rely on the unfulfilled commitments of the Lebanese government.
According to the report, the view is spreading in Israel that the Lebanese government has failed to restrain Hezbollah, and the confidence of the United States and some Western countries in Lebanon’s official institutions has diminished. Israeli sources claim that Washington is also dissatisfied with Beirut’s performance and believes that even minimal commitments have not been fulfilled. It is further suggested that the Lebanese army either lacks the capability to effectively confront Hezbollah or lacks the necessary will.
Meanwhile, within Israel, criticism has been directed at the Lebanese army, with some officials alleging that the force avoids direct confrontation with Hezbollah. There have even been claims regarding infiltration or sympathies of elements close to Hezbollah within parts of this army.
Based on scenarios under discussion in Tel Aviv, the complete disarmament of southern Lebanon is also being considered; the goal is to ensure that Hezbollah has no presence in any area from which it could threaten northern Israeli settlements. Some Israeli analyses assert that currently only two parties have the readiness and capability to militarily confront Hezbollah: Israel and the new Syrian government formed by rebel forces led by Abu Muhammad al-Julani.
Israeli sources emphasize that this situation does not mean an official alliance, but from Tel Aviv’s perspective, the Syrian rebel government also sees Hezbollah as a rival and operational cooperation in Lebanon is possible. In some potential scenarios, if Western efforts to use the Lebanese government against Hezbollah fail, an understanding may be reached whereby the Israeli army would take control of southern Lebanon and Syrian rebels would act against Hezbollah in northern Lebanon. It is said that these options are being examined directly or indirectly with possible U.S. involvement.
