Survey: Syrians Cite Israel as Top Regional Threat, Iran Second

What happened

Al Jazeera Syria reports on a recent nationwide survey conducted by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and the Arab Center for Contemporary Syria Studies, revealing that a significant majority of Syrians identify Israel as the principal regional threat. According to the Arab Opinion Index for Syria 2026, 61 percent of respondents named Israel as the main threat to Syria, while Iran followed at 20 percent, with smaller shares naming Turkiye and the United States.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. The survey further indicates a sharp rise in the percentage of Syrians who see Israel as threatening regional security, with 97 percent of respondents stating that Israel endangers the security and stability of the Middle East, up from 78 percent the previous year. The share perceiving Iran as a threat also climbed to 93 percent, marking a substantial increase within a year.

Regarding Israel’s role within Syria, the poll found that 96 percent of respondents believe Israel is working to destabilize Syria, and 86 percent say it fuels separatist tendencies. Opposition to recognising Israel is strong, at nearly 80 percent, and 74 percent reject any agreement that does not include the return of the occupied Golan Heights. Views on direct talks between Syrian and Israeli officials are more divided, with 41 percent seeing such talks as beneficial to Syria and 49 percent considering that they are not.

Known from the source

• The survey was conducted by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and the Arab Center for Contemporary Syria Studies.
• 61% of Syrians surveyed named Israel as the main threat to Syria.
• 20% named Iran as the main threat.
• 97% of respondents said Israel threatens Middle Eastern security and stability, up from 78% in the previous year.
• 93% said the same about Iran, up from 74% in 2025.

What remains unclear

The survey also touches on regional conflict perceptions, noting that 80 percent of Syrians justify Iranian missile strikes on Israel, while 74 percent reject Iranian strikes on other Arab countries outside of US military bases. A majority attribute US involvement as waging war on Israel’s behalf. In addition, the poll reflects increasing domestic support for democracy and political pluralism in Syria, with 76 percent favouring democracy over other systems, and three-quarters endorsing a democratic system featuring pluralism and separation of powers.

What remains unclear: Full survey methodology and sample size details. Any independent verification confirming the polling results. Recent military actions cited as Israeli occupation since Assad’s fall in December 2024. Political context of Israeli territorial control in southern Syria mentioned in source.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Syria. Open the source.