Israeli Writer Reveals Occupation’s Leverage in Syria: “Neither Putin nor Erdoğan Holds This Card”

Israeli analyst Michael Harari has claimed that the Zionist occupation state holds a unique strategic card in Syria — one that neither Vladimir Putin nor Recep Tayyip Erdoğan can match. Writing in the Hebrew newspaper Maariv, Harari asserts that Israel could play a pivotal role in reshaping Syria’s energy sector through what he described as “energy diplomacy.”

In his article, Harari notes that the new Syrian government is making a concentrated effort to reassert its authority, but remains plagued by serious infrastructure issues, particularly in the electricity and energy sector, with much of the population receiving only a few hours of electricity per day.

Despite an oil deal with Kurdish groups controlling northeastern oil fields, Harari argues that this agreement remains unclear and insufficient to meaningfully improve Syria’s bleak energy outlook.

Syria’s Limited Options Amid Sanctions

Harari adds that global companies remain hesitant to engage with the Syrian government due to ongoing U.S. sanctions, and that Russia, while interested in turning a new page with Damascus, remains cautious — particularly as Syria weighs its future ties with Washington.

He also referenced Jordan’s growing involvement, noting reports that Amman received U.S. approval to supply Syria with up to 250 megawatts of electricity during peak hours — a move Harari sees as a clear sign of Jordan’s interest in regional stability.

Turkey, Qatar, and the Energy Chessboard

Regarding Turkey, Harari acknowledged its deep ties with post-war Syria, especially in the wake of possible political shifts. He argued that the fall of Bashar al-Assad would open “attractive alternative energy corridors for Ankara,” but added that these projects won’t solve Syria’s deeper structural crises.

Harari also referenced reports of a Qatari initiative to supply gas to Syria via Jordan, allegedly greenlit by the White House. However, he pointed out that the technical limitations of the Arab Gas Pipeline currently prevent any northward flow of gas into Syria.

Israel’s Hidden Hand: Gas Diplomacy as Leverage

Harari emphasised the critical connection between Israel and Jordan, arguing that it could enable the transfer of Israeli gas through the Arab Gas Pipeline under the guise of Jordanian or Egyptian gas — while in reality, it would be gas sourced from the Israeli occupation.

He wrote:

“This indirect route demonstrates the political and strategic potential of energy diplomacy. Such a model was already implemented through regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and can be expanded further — if rational Israeli policy prevails.”

Harari concluded by stating that Israeli energy support could be a gateway to building ties with the post-conflict Syrian government, despite mutual distrust:

“Skepticism inside Israel doesn’t negate the fact that there are shared interests where common ground can be found.”