Israeli officials assess risks after Trump remarks on possible Syrian role against Hezbollah
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a Security Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to discuss developments involving Syria and Lebanon, after US President Donald Trump floated the idea of Syria taking responsibility for confronting Hezbollah, according to N12 News.
The discussions come amid growing concern in Israel over the possibility of renewed Syrian influence in Lebanon and the broader implications of any shift in the regional balance of power.
Trump reportedly raised the idea during a June 16 meeting, suggesting that Syria could be allowed to deal with Hezbollah if Israel could not neutralise the group without causing broader destruction. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa later rejected suggestions that Damascus planned a military intervention in Lebanon, stressing instead that Syria was seeking economic and political cooperation with Beirut rather than military involvement.
In remarks carried by Arab media, Sharaa said Syria wanted to support Lebanon through stronger institutions and joint solutions, while making clear that Damascus was not pursuing war.
Israeli officials fear return of Syrian influence in Lebanon
Despite those assurances, Israeli officials believe Syria may be seeking to expand its influence inside Lebanon, particularly in border areas and strategic political centres. According to N12, analysts in Israel are worried about a return to the pre-2005 order, when Syria exercised dominant influence over Lebanese affairs.
Officials are also monitoring Syria’s closer ties with the United States and Gulf states, which could strengthen Damascus’ regional position.
Security establishment searches for alternatives to Syrian involvement
Israeli officials have reportedly warned that allowing Syria to take on Hezbollah could create new security threats along Israel’s northern border. One Israeli official described the idea as “like tossing a match into a powder keg,” citing fears of increased Turkish influence and the empowerment of extremist networks.
As a result, Israel’s defence establishment is exploring alternatives to any Syrian role in Lebanon. According to a source familiar with the matter, one option under consideration is transferring control of recently captured Hezbollah tunnel compounds to the Lebanese Army instead of allowing Syrian involvement.
The upcoming Security Cabinet meeting is expected to focus on those options as Israel assesses how to contain Hezbollah without triggering a wider regional shift.
