"The North is Igniting": Why Syria’s New Regime is the Next Major Threat to Israel

The fall of Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria has sent shockwaves through the Israeli defense establishment, as the victorious regime of Ahmad al-Shara (formerly known as al-Jolani) begins to pivot its military focus southward. Following a US-brokered surrender that ended Kurdish resistance in Deir ez-Zor and Aleppo, the Syrian military has demonstrated a chilling level of aggression, with reports of mass executions and civilian abductions. Now, Israeli security officials warn that the Golan Heights could be the next target for a regime eager to consolidate power and appease its Iranian backers. In response, the IDF has launched a massive fortification project and shifted to a proactive offensive posture, conducting operations deep inside Syrian territory to dismantle terror cells before they can reach the Israeli border.

The New Syrian Threat

The transition of power in Damascus to Ahmad al-Shara has introduced a volatile new dynamic to Israel’s northern frontier. While the regime currently avoids direct war with Israel to maintain its standing with the United States, the potential for a sudden escalation is high. Security sources indicate that if tensions with Iran boil over, Tehran could flood the Syrian border with Iraqi Shiite militias. "The IDF in the sector must be very alert," security officials noted, warning that the Syrian arena could ignite in complete surprise. The military is particularly concerned about the regime's use of global jihadist elements and violent militias, which have already displayed extreme brutality in their campaign against the Kurds.

Fortifying the Golan: Lessons from October 7th

To ensure that the horrors of October 7th are not repeated in the north, the IDF's 210th Division has implemented a rigorous new defense doctrine. A physical barrier spanning more than 30 kilometers has been constructed along the border, specifically engineered to stop high-speed vehicle infiltrations. This obstacle is being expanded daily, with some fortifications sitting just dozens of meters from the fence. Complementing this physical shield is a new human one: the elite "Golan Intervention Unit." This force consists of dozens of local residents, including farmers and teachers, who are heavily armed and trained to deploy to any point of the border within minutes. "They are always on alert," a security source confirmed, providing a crucial first line of defense for northern settlements.

Proactive Defense and Air Superiority

The IDF is no longer waiting at the fence for the enemy to arrive. Commando units and intelligence teams are now operating more than 10 kilometers deep into Syrian territory, conducting arrests, sweeps, and intelligence gathering. These missions target "shepherds" and other operatives sent by the Syrian regime to collect data on Israeli positions. To ensure total control, the 210th Division has tightened its cooperation with the Air Force. Drone operators and fighter pilots now have the authority to strike targets in the Golan without waiting for ground-level guidance, allowing for an instantaneous response to any "bursting" event. A recent large-scale drill, involving a simulated 11-point infiltration at 6:00 AM, proved that the IDF is ready to mobilize forces from as far as the Jordan Valley to protect the Golan.