Sharaa or al-Julani? IDF still suspicious of Syrian leader after Sweida massacre - analysis

The IDF is still suspicious of Syria's leader and wondering whether, between two of his names symbolic of his dual identities, he will turn out to be more of his jihadist past as Mohammad al-Julani or Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the suit and tie wearing technocrat official he has portrayed himself as since taking power from the Assad regime in December 2024.  

IDF sources treat the two names as symbolic, with almost a "Dr. Jekyl" and "Mr. Hyde" dual personality quality, making it clear that they do believe there is a true internal struggle going on within Syria's leader as well as among his various allies and potential allies who are trying to pull him in one direction or another.   

In the balance is whether Israel now has a new, greater threat in Syria than even the Assad regime, if not in sophistication of weapons, then in ferocity and commitment of its forces to invading and fighting against non-Muslims.  

Or now has a unique opportunity to reach a long-term stable ceasefire or even normalization with a country which has been hostile to Jerusalem since the founding of the state, including a new regime which will continue to cut off any Iranian attempts to reform a ring of fire around its borders. To date, the IDF gives very high marks to al-Sharaa and his forces for preventing Iran and Hezbollah from smuggling arms through Syria into Lebanon.  (Read More)