Damascus (TDI): The United States has quietly encouraged Syria to consider deploying forces into eastern Lebanon to help counter Hezbollah, but Damascus is reluctant to move forward, fearing deeper involvement in the widening Middle East conflict and the risk of triggering sectarian unrest, Reuters reported citing sources.
The proposal reflects growing efforts to weaken the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which launched attacks on Israel on March 2 in support of Tehran, prompting a major Israeli military response in Lebanon.
The report said that the idea of Syrian involvement was first came last year during talks between US and Syrian officials. It resurfaced more recently around the time Washington and Israel escalated military action against Iran.
Despite the renewed push, Syria has stopped short of committing to any cross-border operation. Officials in Damascus are said to be weighing the risks carefully, including the possibility of Iranian retaliation and internal instability, particularly among minority Shiite communities.
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Syrian leadership has taken a cautious stance since the outbreak of the broader regional conflict. President Ahmed al-Sharaa has reportedly aligned with Arab allies on avoiding direct involvement in the war, limiting Syria’s role to defensive measures.
In recent weeks, Syria has reinforced its military presence along the Lebanese border, deploying troops and rocket units. Officials describe this as a precautionary step aimed at securing its territory rather than preparing for offensive action.
Lebanese authorities say they have not received any indication of a planned Syrian intervention. President Joseph Aoun was reportedly assured by Sharaa that Syria respects Lebanon’s sovereignty and has no intention of intervening militarily.
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Coordination between the two countries continues on border security matters, but Lebanese officials stress that Hezbollah has not been part of those discussions.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also confirmed that Syria’s increased military presence near the border is intended to strengthen internal security and prevent spillover from the conflict.
