CIAO DATE: 12/2011
November 2011
United States Institute of Peace
Israel has been generally quiet regarding the recent turmoil in Syria, a reflection of the issue’s relative low priority, as well as Israel’s limited influence on internal Syrian matters. Israel’s preferred outcome would be a stable Syrian regime that disassociates itself from the “axis of resistance,” poses no bilateral threats, and controls the border area—though Israel sees no clear path for achieving these aims. The view in Israel is that the basic structure of deterrence still holds vis-à-vis Syria and the regime—even in its desperate circumstances—is unlikely to provoke Israel in dramatic ways.
Resource link: Watching from the Sidelines: Israel and the Syrian Uprising [PDF] - 295K