In a rapidly evolving situation, Israel is intensifying its efforts to assert dominance in the Syrian conflict, complicating the already tumultuous path toward national unity for the war-torn nation. Political scientist Jamal Mansour, speaking live from Damascus, underscores the dire implications of Israel’s strategic maneuvers, which aim to reinforce its security hegemony from the Israeli borders to Tehran.

As President Ahmed Sha calls for a ceasefire amidst escalating unrest among Syria’s diverse minority communities, the Syrian government faces monumental challenges in rebuilding trust and cohesion. Mansour describes Syria as a “state in formation,” grappling with the remnants of decades of divisive regime policies that have fractured social relations. With the clock ticking, the government’s attempts to integrate various factions are met with resistance, particularly from Israel, which is keen to maintain its influence in the region.

Mansour highlights Israel’s dual approach: while it does not seek to topple the Syrian regime outright, it is equally uninterested in facilitating its recovery. Instead, Israel’s actions serve to undermine the Syrian state, leveraging its military and political power to keep the regime off balance. This strategy not only complicates peace negotiations but also exacerbates the existing fractures within Syrian society, as vigilante groups and tribal factions exploit the power vacuum.

The stakes are high. As Israel solidifies its territorial gains in the Golan Heights and expands buffer zones, the Syrian government must navigate these treacherous waters carefully. The loss of confidence among the populace, driven by mismanagement and external pressures, threatens to derail any prospects for stability. With tensions mounting and the future of Syria hanging in the balance, the world watches closely as these pivotal events unfold.