Israeli security and diplomatic officials remain deeply skeptical of conciliatory signals from Syria’s new regime, assessing that Damascus may be seeking time to consolidate its power and gain international legitimacy while rebuilding its military capabilities, Channel 14 reported.

Israeli officials reportedly believe Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, is currently using close ties with Turkey to strengthen his government but could eventually emerge as an independent regional power hostile to Israel.

Those concerns were echoed by a Syrian resident who issued a stark warning in an interview with Channel 14, claiming the current regime is following an Islamist strategy of first consolidating power and later using military force.

“Once al-Julani attains real military power, he will turn directly against Israel,” the Syrian resident warned. “I am warning of an October 7 executed by this ISIS-style Syrian entity.”

The source urged Israel to dismantle jihadist factions and their weapons before they can be directed against Israel, while also accusing Turkey of helping establish a radical Sunni axis in Syria.

Despite public statements from Damascus about negotiations and understandings with Israel, a senior Israeli diplomatic source dismissed the rhetoric as an effort to buy time.

“The statements coming out of Damascus are nothing more than lip service,” the source told Channel 14.

Israeli officials are concerned that international pressure could eventually push Jerusalem toward an agreement requiring Israeli security concessions without sufficient guarantees in return.

Israel has therefore made clear that even if diplomatic contacts with Damascus continue, it will not surrender its operational freedom in Syria.

The IDF and Israeli Air Force intend to maintain freedom of action in Syrian airspace to prevent hostile military buildups and preserve strategic air corridors that could be required for future operations against Iran.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)