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Israel’s security establishment is on high alert following the recent entry of Syrian rebel groups into the Aleppo area, raising fears that they could seize control of strategic weapons and infrastructure.
These rebels, mostly affiliated with al-Qaeda-linked organizations, forced President Bashar al-Assad’s forces to retreat, effectively opening the door to a potential shift in power dynamics within the region.
Israel is particularly concerned about the fate of chemical weapon stockpiles, advanced missile systems, and military equipment located in the area.
According to security officials, the Aleppo region is home to a significant concentration of weapons, including missiles, tanks, armored personnel carriers, and aircraft.
These assets are primarily stationed at military bases scattered across Aleppo and its surrounding areas.
In addition to these conventional weapons, the area houses production and storage facilities for chemical weapons like sarin, which could fall into the hands of hostile rebel factions if they consolidate control.
The region is also home to critical infrastructure for the production of various armaments, including precision missiles and rockets.
Some of these weapons are produced specifically for Hezbollah and Iranian-backed Shiite militias, which further complicates the security situation.
These production sites serve as key elements in the smuggling routes used by Iran to funnel weapons through Syria to Lebanon, posing a long-term challenge for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), who have made efforts to disrupt these operations.
Israeli officials have expressed concern that, in the short term, the rebels are primarily focused on toppling the Assad regime. However, once they gain control over the Aleppo region, the defense establishment fears that the rebels may redirect their attention to Israel.
The potential acquisition of advanced weaponry, coupled with the extremists’ ideological stance, could present a direct threat to Israel’s security, prompting a need for heightened vigilance.
One of the most significant risks for Israel is the continued involvement of Iran in the Syrian conflict. Tehran has long been a key ally of the Assad regime, providing military, financial, and logistical support to the Syrian government.
Iranian forces have also been active in the region, seeking to suppress the rebellion led by the various rebel groups. Should the rebels solidify their hold on Aleppo, Iran’s influence in Syria could increase, further exacerbating Israel’s security concerns.
Iran’s involvement in Syria, particularly its efforts to bolster the Assad regime, underscores its broader regional ambitions. Tehran views Syria as a vital link in its “land corridor” to Lebanon and beyond, enhancing its influence over Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian militias.
While Iran’s support has been pivotal in helping Assad retain power, Israel fears that any strengthening of Iran’s foothold in Syria could lead to more advanced weaponry being funneled into Hezbollah-controlled areas in Lebanon, thereby increasing the threat to Israel’s northern border.
Simultaneously, there have been growing calls among moderate Sunni states for Assad to distance himself from Iran and rejoin the Arab League.
These nations argue that Syria could benefit from economic investments and rehabilitation if it breaks ties with the “Axis of Evil” and engages with the broader Arab world.
Despite this, Assad’s reliance on Iranian support remains a critical factor in Syria’s ongoing civil conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.
In light of these developments, Israel is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely, adapting its military and intelligence operations to address the evolving threat posed by both the Syrian rebels and Iranian influence in the region.