Are Israeli and Syrian security forces cooperating on the ground in southern Syria?

Video from southern Syria shows what appears to be an IDF jeep accompanied by a convoy of Syrian pickups, with AK-47 wielding gunmenPhoto from social media used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law

| Published April 4, 2025

Recent reports suggest potential on-the-ground cooperation between Israeli and Syrian security forces in southern Syria. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an operation near the Tasil Dam in the Daraa region, aimed at confiscating weapons and dismantling terrorist infrastructure. Footage from the operation shows a convoy of Syrian pickups, associated with Syria’s General Security Service, accompanied by a vehicle resembling an unmarked IDF jeep. This has led analysts to speculate about possible collaboration between the two forces, especially given past interactions between Israeli security entities and groups opposing the Syrian government. The IDF has not provided comments on these claims.

IMPLICATIONS

🛡️ Security First, Politics Second

If Israeli and Syrian forces are cooperating—even informally—it signals a shift driven more by necessity than diplomacy. Southern Syria is a volatile region, home to Iranian proxy activity, terrorist cells, and smuggling routes. For Israel, containing threats near its northern border takes precedence, and Syria’s regime may be realizing that a stable south is also in its own interest.

🇮🇱 Israel’s Calculated Realism

Israel has always prioritized its security over ideology. If this cooperation is true, it would reflect Israel’s pragmatic approach—willing to deal with Assad’s regime if it helps limit Iranian influence and terrorism near its borders. It’s not about trust, but deterrence and intelligence.

🇮🇷 A Blow to Iran’s Presence

The biggest loser in this scenario? Iran. If Assad is quietly allowing or tolerating IDF operations—or even coordinating in some way—it could be a sign that Syria wants to rebalance and avoid further chaos or Israeli strikes tied to Iranian arms shipments and Hezbollah operatives.

🌍 A Shifting Regional Landscape

This could point to a new Middle East reality: former enemies may be forced into cooperation in the face of shared threats. While formal peace between Israel and Syria remains unlikely, quiet coordination could become part of a broader regional recalibration—especially as other Arab states normalize with Israel.

🚨 Risk of Escalation or Backlash

However, this carries risks. Any perceived collaboration with Israel could spark internal dissent in Syria or provoke Iran and its militias to double down. It also puts Israel in a delicate position—balancing cooperation with avoiding the perception of supporting Assad, whose regime remains internationally controversial.

OVERALL TAKEAWAY

Any potential cooperation between Israeli and Syrian security forces reflects a pragmatic, security-driven approach in a volatile region. While Israel and Syria remain adversaries on paper, their shared interests—particularly in limiting Iranian influence and combating terrorism—could lead to covert or tactical cooperation. This cooperation, however, comes with significant risks, including backlash from internal factions and regional powers like Iran. The situation underscores the complexities of Middle East geopolitics, where security often trumps ideology, and former enemies may find themselves cooperating against common threats.