DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Analysts say Israel’s recent escalation in Syria reflects a calculated security policy designed to impose military realities on the ground rather than pursue political solutions.
They argue that Israel is enforcing a preventive security approach that keeps Syria in a state of instability through a doctrine of “negotiations under fire.”
Last week, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Syrian military positions in the Damascus countryside, killing eight personnel from Syria’s Ministry of Defense. One strike targeted a military housing facility belonging to Division 44 in Harjallah near al-Kiswah, while another hit a civil defense team attempting to rescue the injured, causing further casualties.
“Negotiations under fire”
Abdul Qader Azzouz, professor of international relations at Damascus University, said the escalation reflects Israel’s reliance on military pressure instead of genuine peace efforts.
“This is how Israeli security doctrine works—not land for peace, but preemptive measures that only deepen the crisis,” Azzouz told North Press. He argued that Israel’s main motive is to block Syria’s political and economic recovery.
Fears of a Turkish–Arab role
On Aug. 22, Israel’s state broadcaster reported significant progress in negotiations toward a security agreement between Syria and Israel. Unnamed Syrian sources cited by the broadcaster said 80 percent of security issues had been agreed upon, though disputes remain over Israel’s demand to retain positions in strategic locations such as Mount Hermon and Quneitra.
Researcher Ashraf Okkeh told North Press that Israel is exploiting Syria’s instability to impose its will in the south. He warned that Israel seeks to establish a buffer zone and fuel internal divisions to obstruct Syria’s sovereignty.
“Israel fears a potential Turkish–Arab role that could consolidate the Syrian state, transform it into a regional power, and shift the balance of power in the Middle East,” Okkeh added.
He further argued that Israel is attempting to stir separatist tendencies among Druze, Kurds, and Alawites as part of a broader strategy to undermine Syrian unity.
Creating a security zone
Russian analyst Dmitry Bridzhe told North Press that the escalation is tied to Israel’s effort to prevent Syria from regaining regional weight.
“Whenever Damascus gets closer to internal consolidation or opening dialogue channels, Tel Aviv escalates strikes to trap Syria in a cycle of attrition,” he said.
Bridzhe stressed that any current Syrian–Israeli understandings are limited arrangements aimed at avoiding total confrontation. Yet, Israel uses them to impose new military realities without triggering full-scale war.
He concluded that Israel’s deeper aim is to create an undeclared security zone in southern Syria and around Damascus, ensuring permanent deterrence while keeping Syrian airspace exposed.