The Israeli airstrikes reflect a strategic approach to neutralizing potential threats from Syria's military arsenal.
Despite the extensive raids, the Syrian military's capabilities are largely outdated, reducing the immediate threat to Israel.
The new Syrian government may attempt to rebuild its military, but international constraints will likely limit its capabilities.
Tensions between Israel and Syria could rise if the latter successfully develops advanced military technologies.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Syrian Military Arsenal Post-Assad Regime
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, with reports indicating that the Israeli military conducted nearly 500 raids within 48 hours, targeting over 130 sites across Syria. These operations aimed to neutralize what Israel described as the strategic capabilities of the Syrian army, which heavily relies on outdated Russian weaponry. Military analysts suggest that while Israel's actions are significant, the actual threat posed by the Syrian military arsenal may be overstated, as much of it consists of equipment dating back to the 1960s and 1980s.
The Syrian military's inventory includes various aircraft, tanks, and missile systems, including the Russian S-200 air defense systems and Scud missiles. Despite this, analysts argue that the Israeli strikes were not merely a show of force but part of a broader strategy to dismantle the Syrian military's capabilities, particularly to prevent advanced weapons from falling into the hands of opposition forces.
Military experts like Khaled Al-Mutlaq and Hisham al-Mustafa have noted that while the Israeli raids targeted significant military sites, including air defense systems and missile depots, the overall effectiveness of the Syrian military's arsenal remains limited. They emphasize that the Israeli operations reflect a deep-seated concern regarding the potential for a new Syrian government to bolster its military capabilities, which could pose a direct threat to Israel.
Future Implications for Syrian Military Capabilities
Looking ahead, the ability of a new Syrian government to rebuild its military forces will depend heavily on international agreements and the geopolitical landscape. Analysts predict that any future Syrian army will likely be small and primarily focused on border security, given Israel's historical reluctance to allow the strengthening of Syrian military capabilities.
The ongoing Israeli airstrikes serve as a reminder of the delicate balance of power in the region, with Israel keenly aware of the potential for advanced weaponry to shift the military dynamics. The situation remains fluid, and as Syria navigates its post-Assad era, the potential for conflict between Israel and a new Syrian government could escalate, particularly if the latter seeks to enhance its military capabilities.
