Syria’s restrained approach to Israel carries risks

What the report says

Al Jazeera says Syria’s new leadership is trying to avoid direct confrontation with Israel while focusing on rebuilding state institutions, restoring services and improving international ties. The article, published on 2 September 2026, says that approach has continued even as Israel has carried out fresh strikes and ground activity in Syrian territory, including shelling near Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside and raids in Quneitra province. It also cites an Israeli strike on the Abu al-Duhur military base days earlier, which Damascus and Ankara disputed as a response to a possible Turkish deployment.

According to the report, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government is pursuing sovereignty through state reconstruction rather than military escalation. That strategy may help preserve the diplomatic and economic conditions Syria needs for recovery, especially after recent moves by Washington and the European Union to ease sanctions. The article notes that the World Bank has estimated reconstruction costs for Syria’s damaged assets at about $216bn, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

The piece argues that restraint carries two major risks: Israel could continue to press its advantage and limit Syria’s military rebuilding, while Syrians could lose confidence in a government that appears unable to respond to repeated attacks. It also points to polling showing strong Syrian opposition to recognising Israel and broad concern over Israeli threats, suggesting that public patience may not be unlimited. The article frames the issue as a test of whether Damascus can eventually convert restraint into real sovereignty.