Syrians See Israel as Top Threat in New Regional Survey

A comprehensive nationwide survey published on Monday reveals that the majority of Syrians view Israel as the greatest danger to their nation and the wider region, followed by Iran as a distant second. The poll was carried out jointly by the Doha-based Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and the Arab Center for Contemporary Syria Studies, shedding light on evolving public sentiments regarding foreign policy, security, and domestic governance in the country. Regarding syrian israeli relations, the findings indicate deep-seated concerns among the population following territorial shifts and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The Arab Opinion Index for Syria 2026 showed that 61 percent of participants identified Israel as the primary threat to Syria, while 20 percent pointed to Iran, 6 percent named Turkiye, and 5 percent indicated the United States. When considering the broader Arab world, 58 percent designated Israel as the main threat, a figure remaining steady from the previous year. Meanwhile, the proportion pointing to Iran as the main regional hazard doubled from 12 percent in 2025 to 24 percent. Additionally, roughly 97 percent stated that Israel poses a threat to Middle Eastern security and stability, representing a significant increase from 78 percent previously, while those holding a similar view regarding Iran rose from 74 to 93 percent.

Shifting Security Dynamics and Regional Perceptions

Territorial changes have heavily influenced public opinion since the fall of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, after more than five decades of his family's rule. With Israel having seized territory in southern Syria, approximately 96 percent of respondents believe Israel is attempting to destabilize the country, and 86 percent feel it is driving separatist tendencies. Opposition to recognizing Israel has grown to nearly 80 percent, and 74 percent reject any diplomatic arrangement that fails to return the occupied Golan Heights. Public sentiment remains divided on direct negotiations between Syrian and Israeli officials, with 49 percent stating such talks do not serve national interests against 41 percent who believe they do.

Almost 97 percent of survey respondents view Israel as a major threat to Middle Eastern security and stability.

Views on domestic governance reflect a growing embrace of pluralism and democratic principles. Roughly 76 percent agreed that democracy remains preferable to other political systems, marking a 16-point rise from the preceding year. Furthermore, about 87 percent indicated that questioning the patriotism of individuals who oppose government policy should be avoided, demonstrating a notable shift in civic attitudes nearly two years after the ouster of al-Assad.

Why it matters

This nationwide survey provides critical insight into the political and security priorities of a nation undergoing a historic transition following the end of decades of single-family rule. The overwhelmingly critical view of foreign intervention and the hardening stance on territorial disputes directly shape how diplomatic engagements, border stability, and regional alliances will be managed moving forward in the Middle East.