Israel’s Position on the Situation in Syria:

What would be better for Israel regarding Syria: the continuation of Assad’s regime or a government led by rebels, many of whom are aligned with groups like Daesh (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda?
1. Israel’s Role: No one asks Israel what it thinks, and Israel cannot stop the rebels in Syria. It can only observe from a distance, learn, and draw conclusions.
2. Rebels vs. Assad: For Israel, there is no force better than the Syrian rebels to effectively and thoroughly eliminate all traces of Iran and Hezbollah in Syria. They are far more efficient (and ruthless) than the Lebanese army, which was tasked with clearing Hezbollah from southern Lebanon. They operate without restrictions.
3. Strategic Risks: If Israel perceives a specific risk, such as strategic weapons falling into rebel hands, it can respond — as it has recently, according to foreign sources.
4. Support for Rebels: Between 2016 and 2018, Israel provided significant assistance to the rebels in southern Syria, including money, resources, and medical aid (treating wounded fighters in Israeli territory). This was part of the Israeli military’s “Good Neighbor” operation. It can be assumed that Israel has established a comfortable foundation for dialogue with rebels in southern Syria.
5. Rebels’ Priorities: In the short term, the rebels do not need Israel (or Russia) as an enemy. Their primary focus is establishing a stable government within Syria’s current borders. As for the future, everything remains uncertain.

Summary: Israel has limited options and little to worry about at this moment, aside from safeguarding its key interests in the face of the emerging new power in Syria — for better or for worse.