Damascus, Syria — Uncertainty looms over the new leadership in Syria as Israeli officials express skepticism regarding the likelihood of Ahmad al-Sharaa endorsing a peace agreement with Israel that does not involve a complete withdrawal from the Golan Heights. This strategic territory has been a point of contention since it was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed, a move that has not garnered international recognition outside of the United States.
Reports indicate that negotiations between the two nations are evolving, potentially signaling a shift in diplomacy in the region. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, known for his close ties to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the previous U.S. administration, is scheduled to visit Washington. His agenda includes discussions about the nuances of peace talks and possible expansions to the 2020 Abraham Accords.
During a recent appearance, former President Donald Trump suggested that the possibility of normalization between Syria and Israel remained uncertain. However, he acknowledged lifting sanctions on Syria at the behest of allied nations, aimed at alleviating the country’s economic difficulties.
Progress in peace talks is reportedly being driven by U.S. influence, with Syrian outlets indicating that negotiations are intensifying. Al-Sharaa is said to be open to the notion of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel; however, differing opinions persist among his supporters. This internal division could complicate any future agreement.
Concerns from neighboring Turkey further complicate the situation. Sources revealed that Ankara is opposed to any burgeoning Israeli influence in Syria. Pro-Turkish groups within the country fear that engaging with Israel could compromise Syria’s sovereignty and sovereignty, aligning it more closely with Israeli and Saudi political and economic agendas.
The backdrop of this potential rapprochement is rooted in a long-standing conflict that dates back to 1948, coinciding with Israel’s founding and the first Arab-Israeli war. Subsequent wars, particularly those in 1967 and 1973, have entrenched hostilities. Presently, Israel maintains control over approximately 1,200 square kilometers of the Golan Heights, solidifying its presence in a region marked by historical enmity.
The overall atmosphere surrounding these negotiations denotes a pivotal moment for both nations and could reshape the fabric of Middle Eastern relations moving forward. Whether al-Sharaa and his government will unify in support of peace with Israel remains to be seen, as international observers closely monitor the developments in this complex diplomatic landscape.