Netanyahu to hold meeting on Israeli concerns over possible Syrian role in Lebanon

Israel is increasingly concerned about a growing Syrian role in Lebanon amid the rapid rapprochement between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the possibility of regional arrangements that could give Damascus greater influence in Lebanese affairs.

According to Israel’s Channel 12 on Tuesday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss developments related to Syria and their implications for Lebanon.

The report said the meeting follows recent remarks by Trump, who said he was “close” to assigning responsibility for dealing with Hezbollah to the Syrian authorities.

According to the channel, Israel does not view Trump’s comments as merely rhetorical, but believes discussions and arrangements may be taking place behind the scenes regarding Syria’s future role in Lebanon.

Channel 12 added that assessments presented during internal Israeli discussions pointed to what were described as “indications” in recent weeks that al-Sharaa is seeking to expand Syria’s influence in Lebanon and may even be exploring ways to extend control over certain Lebanese areas.

The report said Israel fears a return to a situation similar to the period of extensive Syrian influence in Lebanon before 2005. It believes Syria is seeking to strengthen its presence in border regions that were used for arms smuggling routes for many years.

The channel also reported that Israeli assessments suggest there are Lebanese groups and figures through whom Syria could expand its influence. Israeli officials are reportedly concerned that Damascus could secure a larger role in Lebanon-related issues, supported by its growing ties with the US administration and Gulf states.