Syria thwarts Hezbollah smuggling while Israel resists terror demands and rejects concessions empowering Iranian proxies.
The United States military issued a rare commendation for Syrian security forces on Friday after they intercepted multiple weapons shipments bound for Hezbollah—Iran’s most dangerous terrorist proxy in the region. Adm. Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, publicly congratulated Syria for the successful interdictions, noting that Hezbollah’s continued militarization threatens regional security and directly undermines American and allied interests.
“These shipments were intended for Lebanese Hezbollah,” Cooper stated. “The United States and our regional partners share a strategic interest in ensuring Hezbollah’s disarmament and preserving Middle Eastern stability.”
His remarks underline a significant alignment: US, Israeli, and even Syrian counter-terror goals momentarily overlapping against Hezbollah’s Iranian-directed expansion.
Syrian authorities confirmed they had killed one smuggler and arrested four others attempting to move hundreds of landmines toward Lebanon. The incident exposed yet again Hezbollah’s hunger for weapons and its ongoing preparations for escalation against Israel.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues pushing for a long-term Israeli-Syrian framework focused on counter-terror security and regional stabilization. President Donald Trump emphasized via Truth Social that maintaining a “strong and true dialogue” between Israel and Syria is essential—and that no political maneuver should derail Syria’s slow movement toward normalcy and prosperity.
The posting followed Israeli raids inside Syrian territory earlier in the week, where several terror suspects were captured. Six IDF soldiers were wounded after being ambushed with gunfire, prompting a decisive Israeli airstrike response.
Still, diplomatic progress remains stalled. Israeli sources told Kan 11 News that negotiations with Damascus have hit a dead end. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s demand for a total Israeli withdrawal from positions secured after the fall of Assad is a non-starter for Jerusalem.
Israel’s stance is clear:
No withdrawals unless a comprehensive, binding peace agreement—not a narrow security memorandum—is on the table.
Given Syria’s continued instability, Iran’s deep entrenchment, and Hezbollah’s relentless attempts to rearm, such an agreement appears distant. For now, Israel maintains strategic defensive positions while continuing to strike terror operatives preparing attacks.
The broader picture is unmistakable:
The region is shifting, Hezbollah is being squeezed, and Israel refuses to surrender lifesaving security depth simply to appease Arab or Iranian leverage.
