SYRIA REARMS: Israel Detects Accelerated Effort To Rebuild Syrian Air Force

Israel's defense establishment has detected an acceleration in Syria's efforts to rebuild its air force, including the recruitment of new pilots, renewed flight training and the first exercise involving Syrian fighter jets since the fall of the Assad regime, according to reports Monday evening. The developments come one year and eight months after the collapse of the Assad regime and Israel's declaration that it had destroyed the Syrian Air Force.

Israeli officials have identified Syrian efforts to recruit new pilots and conduct training using trainer aircraft and helicopters. Syria also carried out its first exercise involving Sukhoi fighter jets in the north of the country within the past 24 hours. Under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria is receiving support from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Russia, France and other countries in the region.

Despite ongoing discussions over a potential future security agreement with Israel, the Israeli defense establishment is closely monitoring developments that could threaten Israel's freedom of action in Syrian airspace. Israel's primary concern is the possibility of Turkey establishing a significant presence in neighboring Syria, including the deployment of air-defense systems.

"We are monitoring developments in Syria and sharing our concerns with the United States," An Israeli security official said.