Why Syria’s removal from the US terror list matters for Israel - analysis

The US formally removed Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list on Monday, a move the article frames as a fundamental shift in Washington's approach to Damascus, complicating Israeli freedom of military action in Syria. The decision lifts restrictions on foreign assistance and defense exports, though separate sanctions against Assad-era figures remain. Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham was also removed from the US terror list. The analysis argues that as Washington invests in Syria's reconstruction, Israeli strikes risk destabilizing the country and drawing US opposition, widening the gap between Washington and Jerusalem.

The US formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, after the required 45-day congressional review of President Donald Trump's decision to rescind the designation ran its course. The article, by Herb Keinon, analyzes the strategic implications for Israel. It notes that the move is not a dry bureaucratic step but signals a fundamental change in Washington's view of Syria. US Ambassador Tom Barrack praised the move as a 'historic milestone,' saying it marks Syria's journey 'from isolation to partnership.' The decision lifts restrictions on foreign assistance, defense exports, and financial transactions, though separate sanctions against figures connected to the Assad regime remain. Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa before he became president in 2025, was also removed from the US list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The article argues that this complicates Israeli military action in Syria. Previously, Israel could act with relatively little diplomatic cost against a US-designated pariah state. Now, as Washington invests political and financial capital in Syria's reconstruction, Israeli strikes risk destabilizing the country and drawing opposition from the US and other invested governments. The article concludes that while Israel retains freedom of action, the diplomatic cost of those strikes may rise, pointing to a widening gap between Washington and Jerusalem over Syria.