Steps are accelerating in New Syria towards forming a unified national army that ends the state of military fragmentation that prevailed for many years. Damascus relies on technical and political support from Arab, regional, and international parties in this path, in an attempt to consolidate its full sovereignty over its territories.
In a move described as a qualitative shift, the Council of the European Union decided to remove seven Syrian entities from the sanctions lists, most notably the Ministries of Defense and Interior. This decision opens wide horizons for direct cooperation in the areas of restructuring security institutions and training military personnel according to modern standards.
Observers believe that this European opening goes beyond legal procedures to the level of recognizing the new state institutions. The decision also removes obstacles to importing advanced security technologies, border management devices, and counter-terrorism equipment, which enhances the efficiency of Syrian agencies.
On the regional level, Turkey stands out as a key and pivotal player in the military organization and field restructuring process. Ankara offers extensive technical expertise in training and equipping, making it the most influential party in shaping the doctrine and formations of the new Syrian army.
In contrast, a state of anxiety and confusion prevails within Israeli security and military circles regarding these developments. Hebrew press reports warned that the pace of building Syrian military capabilities is proceeding much faster than intelligence agencies in Tel Aviv had expected.
Sources indicate that Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa's plan includes a comprehensive rehabilitation of the air force and the construction of heavy fire systems. Israel fears that this growing force may be directed towards it in the future, especially given Syria's continued classification as an enemy state in Israeli security doctrine.
Analysts link Israeli concern to Damascus's success in unifying armed factions under the banner of a single national military institution. Israel had bet on Syria remaining a fragmented and weak state, but the new reality imposes strategic balances that were not taken into account.
On the other hand, international relations experts believe that building an army is an inherent sovereign right of the Syrian state that is not negotiable. They affirmed that Syria's stability represents a supreme regional and international interest, and that the existence of a strong and organized army is the only guarantee to prevent the return of chaos or terrorism.
Data indicates that the region is heading towards new security and economic arrangements aimed at integrating active parties into a comprehensive stability system. This shift comes amid a decline in the influence of militias and sub-state entities, which paves the way for the return of the central role of national states.
Arab support is not absent from this scene, as countries such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan emerge as potential parties to contribute to supporting Syrian stability. This Arab integration aims to restore Syria's natural position in the regional system, away from external tug-of-war.
Damascus also aspires to diversify its military partnerships to include international powers such as Russia, to benefit from long historical experiences. The ultimate goal is to build a military institution capable of protecting borders and preserving national sovereignty, away from dependence on any external axis.
Current Israeli policy faces increasing international criticism due to its field practices in Syrian border areas. Experts considered that Israeli military provocations reflect a state of strategic imbalance after the major changes the region has recently witnessed.
Israel's attempts to promote narratives justifying its intervention in Syrian affairs clash with a clear international desire to support the new Syrian government. The US administration has begun to tighten the noose on the ambitions of the Israeli far-right, which seeks to keep battlefronts open.
Ultimately, Syria appears determined to move forward with its national project to build its sovereign institutions. Despite significant challenges, increasing regional and international support indicates that the train of change in Damascus has departed and will not turn back.
Syria's regaining its ability to unify factions within a single military institution represents a development that contradicts the Israeli vision that prefers a weak and fragmented Syria.
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New Syria Rebuilds Its Military Institution: European Opening and Growing Israeli Concern