Amidst ongoing back-channel negotiations with Syria, Israel's recent airstrikes on Damascus present a stark contradiction to efforts aimed at achieving peace, showcasing the tensions between military strategy and diplomatic aspirations.
Israel's Mixed Strategy on Syria: Force vs. Diplomacy
Israel's Mixed Strategy on Syria: Force vs. Diplomacy
Israel's recent military actions in Syria raise questions about its diplomatic efforts with the Syrian government, reflecting a complex security environment.
For several weeks, Israel has been engaged in covert discussions with the Syrian government, aiming for a resolution to longstanding conflicts, particularly regarding territory that Israel seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Israeli media have projected cautious optimism, hinting at the potential for a limited non-aggression pact or even a significant peace accord with Syria, now under the control of former jihadist factions since last December.
However, Israel's military operations, which have included targeted strikes on Syrian forces and key infrastructure in Damascus, underscore the fragility of these diplomatic ambitions. These actions also demonstrate Israel's evolving military doctrine, shaped by the aftermath of the unexpected Hamas attack in October 2023, as well as successes in its confrontations with Hezbollah and Iran. The current climate suggests an inclination towards preemptive military actions in response to perceived threats, often at the expense of diplomatic dialogue.
“It seems very discordant,” remarked Itamar Rabinovich, an historian specializing in Syrian affairs who led 1990s peace negotiations. He highlighted the inherent contradictions in pursuing negotiations while simultaneously conducting military operations.
This week’s airstrikes were prompted by the Syrian government’s troop movements in the southwest, intended to quell factional violence. Despite suffering considerable setbacks in military capability over the years due to ongoing civil strife and previous Israeli strikes, the Syrian military managed to mobilize outdated tanks and troops in response to internal conflicts.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift within the region, Israel's approach appears increasingly focused on using force as a primary tool for national security, raising valid concerns about the future of its diplomatic outreach to Syria and the broader implications for stability in the Middle East.
