A partial reduction of Iran's presence in Syria would benefit Israel, especially as Israeli forces continue to target Iranian and Hezbollah capabilities.
YAAKOV LAPPIN: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is under pressure to manage Tehran's influence, which he relied on during the civil war but now risks provoking Israeli attacks.
Professor Eyal Zisser of Tel Aviv University suggests that while Assad will maintain ties with Iran, he may be inclined to limit its influence to avoid conflict with Israel. Recent reports indicate that Assad's 4th Division has taken measures to prevent Israeli airstrikes by restricting movements of weapons and Iranian militias.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified operations against Iranian and Hezbollah targets, including a recent strike that eliminated key Hezbollah intelligence figures. This aligns with Israel's broader strategy to weaken Iranian allies in the region.
Former Israeli officials emphasize that recent Israeli strikes, including the destruction of Iranian air defense systems, send a clear message about regional vulnerabilities. Even a limited reduction of Iranian forces in Syria would signify a shift in power dynamics, reinforcing Israel's position in the region.