Syrians See Israel as the Foremost Regional Threat, Followed by Iran: Survey
A new survey reveals that the vast majority of Syrians perceive Israel as the greatest threat to their country and the region, with Iran ranking second.
A public opinion survey conducted in Syria by the Doha-based Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies has shed light on Syrians' perceptions of regional threats. According to the survey results, most Syrians view Israel as the primary threat to their country and the broader Middle East.
The research indicates that 97% of respondents believe Israel threatens the security and stability of the Middle East. Iran is perceived as the second most significant threat.
Highlights
- 61% of Syrians identified Israel as the main threat to Syria, while Iran was named by 20%, Turkey by 6%, and the United States by 5%.
- Across the Arab world as a whole, 58% of respondents named Israel as the main threat, a figure unchanged from the previous year.
- The proportion of those naming Iran as the main regional threat doubled from 12% in 2025 to 24%.
- 97% of participants stated that Israel threatens the security and stability of the Middle East, an increase from 78% a year earlier.
- Nearly 80% of respondents oppose recognizing Israel, and 74% oppose any agreement that does not include the return of the occupied Golan Heights.
Details
The Arab Opinion Index for Syria 2026 survey was conducted nationwide. The results show that 96% of Syrians believe Israel is working to destabilize Syria, and 86% think it is fueling separatist tendencies. This perception may be linked to Israel's seizure of territory in southern Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Regarding direct talks between Syrian and Israeli officials, respondents were divided: 41% believed such talks serve Syria's interests, while 49% disagreed. Some residents in Damascus suggest that Israel's policy towards Syria remains unaffected by changes in government. One resident stated, "In my opinion, Israeli policy does not change when the ruler changes, because it is an expansionist policy."
The survey also revealed that 80% of respondents considered Iranian missile strikes on Israel to be justified. However, 74% believed that Iranian strikes on Arab countries, excluding US military bases, were not justified. Three-quarters of participants suggested that Washington waged the war on Israel's behalf.
Why it matters
This survey, conducted nearly two years after al-Assad's overthrow, reflects the deepening concerns and evolving views of the Syrian populace regarding regional powers and their country's future. The increasing support for democracy and the strong belief that the patriotism of those who oppose government policy should not be questioned indicate significant potential for change within Syrian society. These findings offer crucial insights into regional geopolitical dynamics and public expectations.