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

The US formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, a move praised by US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, as a "historic milestone" signifying a shift "from isolation to partnership." This decision lifts restrictions on foreign assistance, defense exports, and financial transactions, and also removed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham from the US list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists. For Israel, this presents a challenge as military actions in Syria, previously undertaken with less diplomatic cost, may now face increased opposition from Washington and other nations investing in Syria's stability and reconstruction. While Israel will not relinquish its freedom of action, the diplomatic cost of such strikes is expected to rise, potentially widening the gap between US and Israeli approaches to Syria.