Syrian army raises alert and moves forces - IDF sends a reassuring message

The Syrian army has raised its alert level and mobilized units, according to a report today, Tuesday, by the Saudi channel Al-Arabiya, citing its sources. No official reason for the move was provided, though unofficial Syrian sources claimed it was a military exercise. Simultaneously, the 'Sabereen News' agency, which is close to pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, reported that the Syrian army had transferred military reinforcements to the border between Syria and Iraq.

Sources in the IDF sought to reassure the public and clarified that the increased alert in the Syrian army is not related to any move against Israel. According to them, the change in Syrian deployment stems from internal tensions in the north of the country, in an area far from Israel. The IDF noted that the Syrian army is not deployed in the buffer zone on the Golan Heights, where the IDF operates, and therefore there is no fear of friction between the two armies at this stage. Information regarding the alert level increase was passed by the IDF to the authorities on the Golan Heights.

It should be recalled that a few days ago, Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara revealed in a special interview for the 'Al-Muqabila' program on Al Jazeera that Damascus is actively working to achieve a security agreement with Israel, with the participation of several other countries.

Al-Shara said he hopes the security agreement will not be just a localized arrangement but could serve as a gateway to a comprehensive peace agreement. However, he emphasized that an agreement with Israel will not come at the expense of Damascus's demand for sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He stressed that his country avoids confrontations with Israel and prefers to work toward achieving a security arrangement that could lead to a broader resolution of the crisis between the countries.

Al-Shara also addressed the situation in Lebanon, clarifying that Damascus has no intention of initiating military intervention in the country, against the backdrop of statements by US President Donald Trump. According to him, the Syrian government is currently holding discussions with authorities in Lebanon on ways to help the country overcome the crisis it is facing.