Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been diverting most of the country's resources, including tax revenues and international aid, toward building a large standing army and acquiring weapons systems. IDF assessments indicate that Sharaa's operational plans are intended for striking Hezbollah in Lebanon and pro-Iranian Shi'ite militias in Iraq.

The IDF is intensifying intelligence-gathering efforts concerning the Syrian military, its personnel, and its capabilities. The IDF is preparing operational plans in case it is required to launch a broad operation to thwart hostile intentions or a military buildup that undermines Israel's freedom of action or military superiority.

European countries, led by Germany, are providing aid to Syria and engaging with President Sharaa to stem the flow of refugees and pave the way for their return. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are investing money in Sharaa and granting him honors in an effort to soften his agenda and distance him from extremist elements.

Why It Matters

The diversion of national resources toward military expansion occurs alongside shifts in international policy toward Syria. The U.S. Department of the Treasury terminated the national emergency regarding Syria and revoked associated executive orders (E.O. 13338, 13399, 13460, 13572, 13573, and 13582), effective July 1, 2025. The Treasury Department published a rule titled "Syrian Sanctions Regulations" on Aug. 26, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security terminated the Temporary Protected Status designation for Syria, citing recent events and a commitment to assisting Syria in the post-Assad era. The Homeland Security Department published a notice titled "Termination of the Designation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status" on Sept. 22, 2025. These policy changes coincide with diplomatic engagements, including a meeting where Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa listened to the French President during a joint press conference after a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris on May 7, 2025.

Timeline

The Syrian transitional government was established on March 29, 2025, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, succeeding the caretaker government headed by Mohammed al-Bashir. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa listened to the French President during a joint press conference after a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris on May 7, 2025.

The Treasury Department published a rule titled "Syrian Sanctions Regulations" on 2025-08-26. The Homeland Security Department published a notice titled Termination of the Designation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status on 2025-09-22. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke during the opening ceremony of the Damascus International Fair in Damascus, Syria, on August 26, 2026.

What's New

Further context notes that Syrian President Ahmed is al-Sharaa's first U.S. television interview since taking office. The Treasury Department published a rule titled "Syrian Sanctions Regulations" on 2025-08-26. Ahmed al-Sharaa served as the emir of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and de facto leader of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) before leading offensives that resulted in the fall of the Assad regime in 2024.