Is peace between Syria and Israel viable despite many obstacles?

By Adnan Nasser
February 4, 2025 13:05
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With Syria’s Transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa making his first official visit to Saudi Arabia, discussions about a diplomatic reset for Damascus are gaining momentum. This visit comes at a critical time, as Syria navigates shifting regional alliances and growing tensions with Israel. Could this trip signal a broader realignment, or is it merely a strategic move to secure regional backing? Sharaa aims to strengthen Syria’s ties with the region, but could this extend to Israel? Decades of hostilities and territorial disputes make peace seem unlikely, yet shifting alliances and new political realities could alter the trajectory of Syrian-Israeli relations. However, significant obstacles remain, including unresolved territorial disputes, deep-rooted mistrust, and Syria’s ongoing political realignment.

History of Conflict and Lost Territory

Since Israel’s establishment in May 1948, Syria has never formally recognized the Jewish state. The two countries have fought multiple wars, most notably the 1967 Six-Day War, during which Israel took control over the Golan Heights, and the 1973 October War, where Syrian forces initially gained ground but ultimately failed to reclaim lost territory. 

Throughout the 1990s, Damascus engaged in diplomatic efforts, particularly under President Hafez al Assad, who sought U.S. mediation to recover the Golan Heights. In 2000, a last-ditch negotiation attempt between Assad and U.S. President Bill Clinton in Geneva collapsed. When Bashar al Assad took power later that year, with peace being left to hope for rather than being achieved. The new sitting president deepening Syria’s alliance with Iran and Hezbollah - yet subsequent mediation attempts were made through Türkiye and the United States, with some believing at the time peace was within real grasp. Unfortunately, the cause to celebrate quickly vanished with Syria's civil war erupting in 2011. 

Iran Factor: Major Obstacle to Syrian-Israeli Peace 

One of the largest impediments to peace has been Syria’s close alliance with Iran and its military cooperation with Hezbollah, which has led to repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory. This raises the question of whether Syria’s new leadership will distance itself from Tehran or merely adjust its strategic approach while maintaining ties with Iran. Under Bashar al Assad, Damascus was a key member of the so-called "Axis of Resistance," directly opposing Israeli and Western influence in the region. This alignment led to frequent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military sites linked to Iran and Hezbollah during the civil war. However, the fall of Assad in December 2024 reshaped the regional landscape. Israel intensified its military operations in Syria, targeting army installations to prevent advanced weaponry from reaching Hezbollah. While Israel justified these strikes as necessary for national security, they exacerbated tensions with Damascus and raised questions about Israel’s long-term intentions.

Israel’s Military Presence in Syria 

Following Assad’s downfall, Israeli forces established military outposts in Syrian villages. Israeli officials have assured local residents that this is temporary, but many Syrians argue that Israel’s actions further destabilize their war-ravaged country and diminish prospects for peace.

Syria’s New Leadership and Its Approach to Israel 

Transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa has taken a cautious but firm stance. Last month, he condemned Israeli policies, stating, “We do not want war with Israel or any country. We told Israel to stop, and if it continues, we will apply pressure. There is no excuse for occupation.” Unlike his predecessor, Sharaa is not bound by the same military entanglements with Iran, raising questions about whether this signals a potential shift in Syria’s foreign policy away from Tehran or merely a strategic recalibration. His administration has signalled a shift in priorities, focusing on rebuilding Syria and reintegrating it into the Arab world. Some Syrian officials have acknowledged that Israel’s initial military actions aimed to counter Iranian influence but argue that with Assad gone, Israel has lost its justification for continued strikes and territorial advances.

Trump’s Return and Abraham Accords

With Donald Trump returning to the U.S. presidency, the question arises: will he push for Syria to join the Abraham Accords—a series of agreements normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states? During his previous administration, Trump brokered deals between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. If Washington applies diplomatic pressure and offers economic incentives, Syria might consider rapprochement with Israel. However, strong domestic and regional opposition could complicate such efforts. More likely, Damascus would welcome U.S. mediation—if it leads to a total Israeli withdrawal from all Syrian territories. 

Is Peace Possible?

Despite shifting regional dynamics, a formal peace agreement between Syria and Israel remains unlikely in the near future. Deep-seated mistrust, unresolved territorial disputes, and Israel’s military presence in Syria continue to be major hurdles. That said, outright shooting war is also improbable. With Syria focused on rebuilding and Israel preferring to avoid prolonged conflict, both sides may opt for de-escalation rather than confrontation. The key question is whether diplomatic efforts—perhaps mediated by Gulf states or international actors—can eventually lead to a breakthrough. For now, the Syrian-Israeli tension remains unresolved, with peace a distant but not entirely impossible prospect. But what would it take to turn this possibility into reality?

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Syria Israel Peace
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