IDF Intelligence: Iran and Allies Plotting Assassination of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa 

Israeli military intelligence has assessed that Iran, in coordination with other hostile entities, is actively plotting to assassinate Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, according to a report by Israeli news outlet Walla.

The warning comes amid renewed negotiations between Israel and Syria, as well as escalating tensions in the region, including ongoing protests in Iran and Israel's military presence in Syrian border areas.

IDF evaluations indicate that al-Sharaa faces credible threats, prompting him to dedicate substantial resources to enhancing his personal security and consolidating his regime's stability.

In recent months, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior security officials have convened multiple discussions emphasizing the IDF's continued presence in Syria and the Mount Hermon buffer zone, drawing lessons from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

This deployment is described as a "primary shield" for Israeli communities along the border.

IDF policy divides operations in Syria into three zones: a frontline security zone along the Israeli-Syrian border for direct defense; a 15-kilometer-deep security zone in Syrian territory to prevent armed groups and terrorist infrastructure; and a wider influence zone extending from southern Suwayda to the outskirts of Damascus, monitored to block infiltrations, advanced weapons smuggling, or military base establishments.

The assessments praise former Israeli minister Ron Dermer for advocating against withdrawal from Syria in talks with the U.S. and other mediators.

A senior U.S. official reportedly expressed surprise to Israeli counterparts about why the IDF had not captured more Syrian territory, to which an Israeli official responded that Israel has no interest in governing local populations but aims to maintain a security buffer to protect its home front and support Druze communities in the Jabal al-Druze region.

This report follows earlier incidents, including foiled ISIS assassination plots against al-Sharaa in November 2025, which Syrian officials attributed to the terror group amid Syria's efforts to join a U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition.

Other reports from 2025 detailed thwarted attempts by former HTS members and potential Iranian-linked coups, though those were separate from the current IDF claims.

The claims originate from Israeli sources and align with Israel's strategic interests in preventing Iranian re-entrenchment in post-Assad Syria, including support for local communities and border security.

YWN contributed to this article.