Israel and Syria Edge Closer to Historic Peace Deal That Could Reshape the Middle East
Israel and Syria are reportedly on the brink of signing a landmark peace agreement by the end of this year—potentially reshaping decades of hostilities and redefining regional alliances in the Middle East.
According to multiple regional outlets, including Lebanon's LBCI and Israel's i24 News, quiet but intensive talks are underway between the two longtime adversaries. The negotiations are reportedly modeled on the Abraham Accords and are being brokered by the United States, with Qatar also playing a behind-the-scenes role.
Sources familiar with the discussions say Syria’s transitional government, led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, is demanding that Israel officially recognize the new administration in Damascus. In return, Syria would drop long-standing territorial claims over parts of the Golan Heights, which Israel has controlled since the 1967 Six-Day War. However, Syria is asking Israel to withdraw from several southern territories it captured during a renewed military push in December 2024—including Mount Hermon, a strategically critical site in the Golan.
In a major shift from past failed negotiations, Syria is reportedly willing to normalize ties without reclaiming all of its former territory—signaling a possible diplomatic breakthrough. The Sharaa administration is also backing continued U.S. mediation, a move viewed as a signal of commitment to Western-backed diplomacy.
On June 29, top Israeli security officials—testifying in a corruption trial involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—unexpectedly requested a delay in proceedings, citing “an historic opportunity to reshape the Middle East.” The judge granted the request after a brief 10-minute session, adding further credibility to the momentum building behind the peace process.
According to Israeli outlet Ynet, both IDF intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder and Mossad Director David Barnea were present at the meeting and are reportedly playing key roles in the talks.
An unnamed senior Syrian official confirmed to Ynet that the deal would include a phased Israeli military withdrawal and full diplomatic normalization. The proposed agreement also calls for turning parts of the Golan into a joint economic development zone, described as a “peace garden.”
Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, in a closed-door Knesset briefing earlier this month, confirmed that Israel has opened direct communication channels with Damascus for the first time—bypassing traditional third-party intermediaries. He also hinted that Lebanon and Syria could be next in line for normalization deals inspired by the Abraham Accords.
Israel and Syria have remained in a technical state of war since 1948, fighting major conflicts in 1967 and 1973. Israel’s control over roughly 1,200 square kilometers of the Golan Heights has long been a central source of tension. While Israel annexed the area in 1981, the move has never been internationally recognized.
Strategically vital for its elevation and water resources, the Golan has been at the heart of geopolitical struggles for decades.
Analysts suggest Syria’s new leadership sees normalization as a way to end years of political and economic isolation. Kamal Jbeili, a Damascus-based strategic analyst, said, “This could be a calculated move by Sharaa to rebuild the economy and solidify domestic stability—if sovereignty can be preserved.”
Others believe the pivot may signal a break from Iran’s influence. “Damascus is trying to reposition itself in a more neutral stance,” said Iranian affairs expert Mostafa al-Nuaimi. “This is about avoiding unnecessary escalation with Israel, not surrendering.”
Still, the idea of peace with Israel remains highly controversial inside Syria. Political analyst Rola Abdullah noted that any deal would have to be transparent and nationally palatable. “The fact that Syria is even engaging in direct dialogue shows that this conflict is shifting from the battlefield to the negotiating table,” she said.
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