“The tyrant has fallen, the people are free.” That’s the cry echoing through the streets of Damascus as Syrians celebrate the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. But while Syrians rejoice, Israelis are left with a critical question: Does Assad’s downfall create an opening for peace—or are we staring into the abyss of new dangers?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking from the Golan Heights, made it clear: “The collapse of Assad’s regime offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers.” He’s not wrong. For Israel, the end of Assad’s iron-fisted rule is both a historic moment and a ticking time bomb.
A New Syria, but Whose Syria?
Assad’s Syria was a sworn enemy of Israel, serving as a transit hub for Iranian weapons to Hezbollah and a staging ground for countless threats. His regime’s fall weakens Iran’s influence in the region and disrupts its infamous “Axis of Resistance.” That’s the good news.
But the new Syria is far from stable. The rebels who overthrew Assad are a patchwork of groups ranging from moderate forces with ties to the West to Sunni jihadists linked to al-Qaeda. The rebel leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, has a controversial past, and the composition of his coalition raises more questions than answers.
Israel’s first priority is clear: secure the Golan Heights. The IDF has already reinforced its positions, deployed tanks to the buffer zone, and struck a chemical weapons facility to ensure it doesn’t fall into dangerous hands. As Netanyahu noted, “We will do whatever it takes to defend the State of Israel.”
Can Peace Be an Option?
Theoretically, yes. Netanyahu extended a hand of peace to moderate forces in Syria, including the Druze, Kurds, Christians, and any Muslims willing to live in harmony with Israel. But let’s be realistic. Syria’s new rulers are an unpredictable mix, and Israel’s history with jihadist groups is grim. Groups like Hamas and Hezbollah have shown us that Islamist factions are rarely interested in peace, no matter the olive branches extended.
That said, some rebel groups have received humanitarian aid from Israel in the past, and they may remember that. This sliver of goodwill could be the foundation for cautious dialogue. But dialogue only works if the other side sees value in coexistence—and that’s a gamble.
The Bigger Picture: Iran, Hezbollah, and the Region
The collapse of Assad’s regime is a body blow to Iran and Hezbollah. Tehran spent billions propping up Assad, using Syria as a corridor for weapons and influence. Now, with Assad gone, Iran’s foothold in the Arab world is crumbling. Hezbollah, already weakened by Israeli military campaigns, is reeling. Its ability to threaten Israel from Lebanon depends heavily on Syrian support, which is now in tatters.
This could be a golden opportunity for Israel to further isolate Iran and strengthen ties with Sunni Arab nations. The Abraham Accords have already reshaped the region, and the fall of Assad might accelerate normalization efforts with countries like Saudi Arabia. A united front against Iran could become the cornerstone of a new Middle East.
The Danger of Chaos
But let’s not kid ourselves—chaos is a breeding ground for threats. The Syrian rebels are not a united force. Factions with extremist ideologies could rise to prominence, turning Syria into a hotbed of terrorism right on Israel’s doorstep. The last thing we need is another Gaza, this time in the Golan Heights.
Moreover, the fall of Assad doesn’t eliminate the Iranian threat. Tehran still has assets in Syria and might double down on its nuclear ambitions as a way to compensate for its losses. Israel must remain vigilant, enforcing its red lines against the transfer of advanced weapons and preventing Iran from establishing new bases of operation in Syria.
A Biblical Lens
Isaiah 17:1 says, “Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.” For decades, Damascus has symbolized resistance against Israel. Now, the city is free, but freedom comes with uncertainty. The Bible reminds us that in times of upheaval, vigilance and faith must guide us.
Hope for the Future
Despite the risks, Israel is in a unique position to influence Syria’s future. By extending aid and cooperation to moderate forces, we can sow the seeds of stability. The Abraham Accords prove that peace is possible, even in a region riddled with enmity. If Israel can engage with emerging leaders in Syria while maintaining a strong defense, there’s a chance to turn this upheaval into progress.
The fall of Assad is not the end of the story; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Whether that chapter leads to peace or more conflict depends on the choices made in the days and weeks to come. Let’s pray those choices lead to a safer, more stable Middle East—for Israel and its neighbors alike.
As a result of the words spoken by a Muslim from a Synagogue in Damascus, the true intention of the Syrian Rebel Group is beginning to be clarified. A certainty that there is Sunni domination with ulterior motives, to create an intifada against the Jewish people. The rhetoric rises that groups like these, there is a possible Iran behind the real intentions of this group of rebels. Therefore, Israel must double its attention and also double the protection of its borders, given that the Human Forces of attack by these groups are worrying, bringing a certain distrust of the real intentions of these armed groups. Double the Netayahu Vigilia, protect Israel and then protect the Brazilian people.