Syria's Nuclear Handover Report Shows Israel Must Expand to Diplomatic Action, Expert Tells 'Post'

Syria's reported agreement to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to remove nuclear material from the Assad-era 'Site 99' underscores the necessity for Israel to broaden its security strategy beyond military action into the diplomatic realm, according to Dr. Gil Murciano, CEO of Mitvim and an expert on Israeli foreign and security policy.

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This is an example of why Israel should take a more active role in diplomacy, rather than relying exclusively on its military might and closest ally, Washington.

This development follows reports that the Trump administration facilitated a diplomatic agreement for the material's removal, reportedly without necessitating Israeli airstrikes on the site. The material in question consists of leftover components from the Al-Kibar nuclear reactor project. While incapable of producing nuclear weapons, it could theoretically be used to construct a radiological dispersal device, commonly known as a 'dirty bomb.' A US official indicated that Israel had previously threatened military action if the material was not removed or if Syria attempted to access it, though awareness of the site's contents was reportedly limited within Syria.

Murciano argues that this situation exemplifies why Israel should adopt a more proactive diplomatic stance, rather than relying solely on its military strength and its alliance with the United States. He suggests that shared security interests between Syria and Israel, such as countering Iran-aligned groups like Hezbollah, provide a basis for dialogue, even with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's controversial background.

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In Israel, we tend to look at Sharaa in an either-or, all-or-nothing way: either as the next great hope or as a jihadist in a suit, a kind of dichotomous perception of him as either a villain or a hero. I think that is a mistake.

Israel has maintained caution since the fall of the previous Syrian regime in 2024. Sharaa's history as a wanted jihadist and former leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham has done little to alleviate Israeli concerns, particularly given sectarian attacks against minority communities in Syria. Murciano cautions against a simplistic "either-or" perception of Sharaa, emphasizing that Israel must actively engage regionally to shape new relationships and roles, rather than adopting a purely reactive posture. He believes diplomacy can be built on common goals and understanding mutual interests, such as Sharaa's pursuit of legitimacy, which may explain Damascus's willingness to hand over the materials.

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It was becoming more essential for Israel to cooperate with regional actors and 'shape' the new roles and relationships within the region as an active member.