David Hearst: Syria Must Act Swiftly to Halt Israeli Aggressions

In a recent article published by Middle East Eye, editor-in-chief David Hearst warned Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa against ignoring Israel’s increasing incursions into southern Syria.

Hearst argued that Al-Sharaa’s repeated peace overtures signal weakness, encouraging Israel to escalate its aggressive military operations.

Syria’s Repeated Calls for Peace

For the past three months, the new leadership in Damascus has consistently communicated its desire to avoid conflict with Israel through diplomatic channels, intermediaries, and media interviews.

Even Damascus Governor Maher Marwan told NPR:

“We have no hostility toward Israel. Our issue is not with Israel. Many people want coexistence, peace, and an end to conflicts.”

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa reinforced this stance in The Times of London:

“We do not seek conflict with Israel or anyone else, nor will we allow Syria to be used as a base for attacks. The Syrian people need relief, the strikes must stop, and Israel must withdraw to its previous positions.”

However, these statements have been interpreted by Israel as a sign of vulnerability, leading to increased Israeli military operations inside Syrian territory.

Israel’s Expanding Military Operations in Syria

Following the unexpected collapse of the Syrian army, Israel abandoned its original plan—which aimed to divide Syria into three regions while keeping Bashar Al-Assad in power as a ruler over a small, UAE-funded enclave. Instead, Israel swiftly shifted to a new strategy, which includes:

• • Supporting minority factions, particularly the Druze in the south and the Kurds in the north.

• • Launching sustained airstrikes that targeted Syria’s naval forces and heavy weaponry.

• • Expanding its military presence, with continuous Israeli strikes in Al-Kiswah (south of Damascus) and Daraa province.

After seizing Mount Hermon and a territory larger than Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz confirmed that the Israeli army was preparing for an extended occupation.

Israel’s Strategic Buffer Zone in Syria

Israeli officials initially proposed:

• • A 15-kilometer buffer zone inside Syria.

• • A 60-kilometer Israeli “sphere of influence”, where threats could be monitored and neutralized.

These ideas quickly evolved into a comprehensive military doctrine, with Israel’s territorial ambitions extending far beyond its declared borders.

Recently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, stating:

“Israeli forces will remain in Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights permanently. We will not allow Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham or the New Syrian Army to enter southern Damascus.”

A Power Struggle Over Syrian Sovereignty

Unlike in Lebanon, where Israel acknowledges the Lebanese army’s presence, even if only to serve its own interests, Israel outright refuses to recognize the new Syrian government, despite its growing public support.

Netanyahu’s objectives go beyond military operations—Israel is working to establish de facto control over large portions of Syria, extending from the southern Golan Heights to Kurdish-held northeastern Syria.

This places Ahmad Al-Sharaa in a precarious position as he prepares to announce a transitional government while struggling to assert control over Syrian territory.

Syria’s Economic and Military Weakness

Syria faces multiple internal crises:

• • Economic Collapse – By 2021, Syria’s economy had shrunk by 50%, with over 90% of its 23 million citizens living below the poverty line.

• • War Devastation – By 2017, one-third of Syria’s homes were destroyed, along with half of the country’s hospitals and schools.

• • Funding Shortages – The Syrian government failed to pay public sector wages in January. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is struggling with its own budget deficit, and Qatar is hesitant to provide financial support due to fears of U.S. sanctions.

• • Military Disintegration – Syria’s army has been reduced to 30,000 battle-hardened fighters, but they lack heavy weaponry, tanks, and air support, most of which were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

A Potential Military Alliance with Turkey?

Recognizing Syria’s vulnerability, Turkey has engaged in defense talks with Damascus, but progress remains slow.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently issued a direct warning to Israel, stating:

“Syria’s territorial integrity is a red line for Turkey. Any attempt to partition it—whether through PKK control or Israeli intervention—will only create further instability.”

This stance is not just ideological—Turkey has a direct security interest in ensuring a stable Syria, partly to facilitate the return of over three million Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey.

Syrian Resistance to Israeli Expansion

While Israel assumes it can manipulate the Druze population in southern Syria, the reality is far more complex.

Unlike the Druze population inside Israel, who have been co-opted into the Israeli military system, Syrian Druze have retained their independence.

Netanyahu’s declaration that the Syrian army will be barred from entering southern Damascus has triggered widespread anger across Syria, particularly in the south.

Mass protests erupted in Suwayda, where demonstrators held banners reading:

• • “Israel, hands off our land.”

• • “Syrian law protects our people and guarantees our rights.”

Historical Parallels: Syria’s Fight Against Colonialism

This crisis mirrors Syria’s past struggles against foreign domination.

• • In 1916, the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire aimed to unify the Arab world.

• • However, the secret Sykes-Picot Agreement (revealed in 1917) betrayed Arab hopes by dividing Syria between British and French control.

• • In 1919, Faisal I was crowned King of Syria, only to see his government crushed by French forces in 1920.

The lesson from history is clear: Syria cannot depend on external powers to protect its sovereignty—it must resist foreign domination by all means necessary.

The Urgency for Syria to Act Now

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa faces a strategic decision that will determine Syria’s future.

• • Israel remains the greatest threat to Syrian sovereignty and unity.

• • If Damascus fails to act decisively, Israel’s territorial expansion will continue unchecked.

• • Syria must confront Israeli aggression head-on—before it is too late.

Israel continues to act as if it is an imperial power, imposing its will on nations beyond its borders. Syria must resist Israeli incursions now, or risk further fragmentation.