a pragmatic alliance in a complex conflict

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Since 2011, the Syrian civil war has upset the geopolitical balance in the Middle East. Israel, while remaining officially neutral, has quietly carried out actions aimed at preserving its national security. Among these, cooperation with certain Syrian rebel groups operating in the south of the country, near the Golan Heights, illustrates a pragmatic strategy focused on creating buffer zones and reducing cross-border threats.

The Golan Heights, annexed by Israel in 1981, is a strategic region providing a key defensive position. With the outbreak of civil war in Syria, Israel saw an opportunity to collaborate with rebel groups controlling border areas. These groups were seen as a less threatening alternative to pro-regime forces backed by Iran and Hezbollah.

Israel’s strategic objectives

Relations between Israel and Syrian rebel groups have been guided by several main objectives:

1. Create a secure buffer zone
   Israel has sought to establish a physical and military barrier against incursions by pro-Iranian militias or Hezbollah. These buffer zones provided a vital margin of security, keeping hostilities away from its borders.
2. Collect specific information
   Interactions with rebels allowed Israel to gather strategic information on the movements of pro-regime forces and Iranian militias. This intelligence was essential in planning targeted airstrikes, helping to neutralize potential threats.
3. Deterring Iran and Hezbollah
   By supporting the rebels, Israel disrupted Iran’s efforts to establish permanent bases in Syria and transfer sophisticated weapons to Hezbollah. This strategy has also put constant pressure on the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
4. Maintain regional stability
   By working with moderate rebel groups, Israel hoped to limit the escalation of conflict near its borders and preserve a favorable strategic balance in the region.

Forms of Israeli support

Israel has taken a multifaceted approach to supporting Syrian rebel groups. Although this support remained discreet and limited, it had a significant impact on local dynamics in southern Syria:

1. Humanitarian and medical assistance
   Israel set up field hospitals near the Golan border, where wounded rebel fighters and Syrian civilians were treated. Between 2013 and 2018, around 5,000 Syrians benefited from this medical assistance. Although presented as a humanitarian action, this initiative strengthened Israel’s influence with local rebel groups.
2. Logistics support
   International reports indicate that Israel has provided food, clothing and communications equipment to some rebel groups. This logistical aid allowed the rebels to continue their operations in hostile conditions.
3. Financial support
   Some rebel groups have received Israeli funding, intended to maintain their control over strategic areas near the Golan Heights. This support also aimed to reduce their dependence on other regional powers, such as Turkey or Qatar.
4. Information Sharing
   Although Israel has avoided direct military cooperation, it has shared tactical information with some rebel groups. This data allowed the latter to plan targeted attacks against pro-regime forces or pro-Iranian militias, thus indirectly serving Israel’s interests.

Rebel groups involved

Several Syrian rebel groups have collaborated with Israel as part of this pragmatic cooperation. Among them:

1. The Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade
   This group, active in southern Syria, maintained pragmatic relations with Israel, before allying itself with Daesh in 2016. This development marked a break in contacts with Israel, which could no longer support a faction affiliated with a global terrorist organization.
2. Factions of the Free Syrian Army (FSA)
   Some local FSA factions, operating mainly in the Golan border areas, have benefited from logistical and financial support from Israel. These groups, considered more moderate, were seen as reliable partners in securing areas near the Israeli border.
3. Independent local groups
   Several small rebel groups operating in the Quneitra region have collaborated with Israel without officially affiliating with major movements such as the FSA or other rebel coalitions. These groups, often composed of local fighters, played a key role in creating secure buffer zones.

This diversity in partners reflects Israel’s desire to work with different local actors to achieve its strategic objectives, while limiting its official involvement.

Results and controversies

Relations between Israel and Syrian rebel groups have produced mixed results, oscillating between strategic gains and international criticism:

1. Temporary border security
   The creation of buffer zones in southern Syria allowed Israel to limit incursions by pro-Iranian forces and Hezbollah. These areas, controlled by the rebels, provided a physical barrier between the Iranian-backed militias and the Israeli borders, reducing the immediate risks of direct confrontations.
2. Strengthening Israeli intelligence
   Interactions with rebel groups have significantly improved Israel’s ability to monitor and understand local dynamics. Intelligence provided by the rebels played a crucial role in planning Israeli airstrikes, targeting pro-Iranian military infrastructure and arms transfers destined for Hezbollah.
3. International criticism and accusations
   This cooperation has drawn criticism, notably from some international observers, who have accused Israel of supporting groups involved in human rights violations and abuses against civilians. Although these accusations have been refuted by Israel, they have tarnished its image in some diplomatic circles.
4. Limits of strategic impact
   If these relations temporarily helped stabilize the border areas, they did not prevent Iran from strengthening its presence in other regions of Syria. Additionally, as the civil war evolved, some Israeli-backed rebel groups lost their influence, calling into question the sustainability of this strategy.

Relationship decline (2018–2021)

As of 2018, relations between Israel and Syrian rebel groups have gradually declined, mainly due to changing military dynamics in Syria:

1. Reconquest of the south by the Syrian regime
   With the support of Russia and pro-Iranian militias, the regime of Bashar al-Assad has regained control of vast territories in southern Syria. These advances have reduced the influence of rebel groups in areas near the Israeli border, limiting opportunities for cooperation.
2. Dissolution or integration of rebel groups
   Several rebel groups, facing military defeats, have disbanded or accepted reconciliation deals with the Syrian regime. These agreements often included amnesties for fighters in exchange for their surrender or integration into pro-regime forces.
3. Shifting Israeli priorities
   With rebel activity waning in the south, Israel has refocused its efforts on targeted airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure and arms transfers to Hezbollah. This strategy required less cooperation with local actors, with Israel relying more on its autonomous intelligence capabilities.
4. Regional and international factors
   Russia’s increased presence in Syria has also influenced this dynamic. Moscow, as a key ally of Damascus, has placed implicit pressure on Israel to limit its direct involvement in supporting the rebels, in order to avoid diplomatic tensions.

This gradual decline marked the end of a phase of cooperation which, although temporary, had allowed Israel to stabilize its borders for several years.

Current implications and future perspectives

Current implications

In 2024, relations between Israel and Syrian rebel groups have evolved, marked by recent events which have revived the dynamics of cooperation and conflict in the region.

1. Resumption of contacts and discussions
   In September 2024, reports emerged regarding discussions between Israel and some Syrian rebel groups. These talks aimed to assess the possibility of tactical collaborations in the face of the increased presence of pro-Iranian militias in southern Syria with a view in particular to bypassing southern Lebanon to arrive in the Lebanese Bekaa. Although the details of these discussions remain confidential, their existence suggests a reassessment by Israel of its local alliances to counter regional threats.
2. Intensification of Israeli military operations in Syria
   At the same time, Israel has intensified its airstrikes in Syria, notably targeting military infrastructure linked to Iran and Hezbollah. On September 9, 2024, Israeli strikes targeted military sites in the Masyaf region, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people. Le MondeThese actions reflect Israel’s determination to prevent hostile forces from taking root near its borders.
3. Repercussions on regional dynamics
   Recent developments have also had implications for Israel’s relations with other regional actors. Israeli strikes in Syria have sparked reactions from the international community, with some countries condemning the actions, while others consider them legitimate defense measures. This complex situation highlights the challenges Israel faces in balancing its security imperatives with diplomatic considerations.

Perspectives futures

1. Possibility of new alliances
   Recent discussions with Syrian rebel groups indicate that Israel may consider new tactical collaborations if direct threats again emerge near its borders. However, these potential alliances would be subject to complex geopolitical conditions and careful assessment of risks and benefits.
2. Maintaining pressure on Iran and Hezbollah
   Israel is expected to continue carrying out military operations in Syria, targeting Iranian infrastructure and arms transfers to Hezbollah. These actions are part of a broader regional deterrence strategy, aimed at preventing the establishment of hostile bases near Israeli territory.
3. Geopolitical pragmatism
   Managing cross-border threats in Syria will depend on Israel’s evolving relations with other regional actors, including Russia and the Gulf states. Israel’s ability to navigate this complex diplomatic landscape will be critical to its long-term security.

Although relations with Syrian rebels have evolved, they remain an example of the strategic pragmatism that Israel deploys to protect its borders in the context of a complex civil war. Recent developments indicate continued adaptation to changing ground realities and emerging threats.

References

1. Foreign Policy, September 15, 2022
2. The Times of Israel, 12 mai 2021
3. Al-Monitor, 20 avril 2023
4. Le Monde, September 9, 2024
5. RFI, January 25, 2024

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