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?
The World Bank has said it's approved more than $1 billion in new funding to support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague to discuss key regional and global issues.
At least 20 people were killed and more than 50 injured after a suicide bomber attacked a church in central Damascus, Syria’s capital, on Sunday, officials confirmed.
Switzerland has announced the lifting of a wide array of economic sanctions on Syria, including measures targeting the country’s central bank. The move follows a series of international steps aimed at supporting Syria’s recovery after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire BP in a historic £60 billion deal, despite ongoing market speculation about a potential merger between the two oil giants.
Meta has snapped up three star researchers from OpenAI's Zurich lab, escalating the fierce battle for top Artificial Intelligence talent as tech giants race to dominate the next era of artificial intelligence.
Universal’s new theme park in Bedford, UK has secured a government support package worth around £500 million ($686 million) for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
Deadly floods have swept through southwest China’s Guizhou province, claiming at least six lives and forcing tens of thousands to flee as rivers surge to levels not seen in half a century.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Kazakhstan's e-commerce sector has soared to 3.2 trillion tenge (around 6.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, marking a sevenfold increase since 2020, according to Deputy Prime Minister Serik Jumanğarin.
Russia has expressed its readiness to support the signing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia to ensure regional stability and security.
Masked law enforcement officers have detained Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the 'Sacred Struggle' movement in Armenia. He is accused of preparing terrorist attacks and an alleged attempt to seize power, according to the Investigative Committee.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An explosive device detonated on an armoured combat-engineering vehicle in Khan Younis in Gaza, killing seven Israeli soldiers and seriously wounding another soldier on Tuesday (24 June).
Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire BP in a historic £60 billion deal, despite ongoing market speculation about a potential merger between the two oil giants.
Meta has snapped up three star researchers from OpenAI's Zurich lab, escalating the fierce battle for top Artificial Intelligence talent as tech giants race to dominate the next era of artificial intelligence.
Universal’s new theme park in Bedford, UK has secured a government support package worth around £500 million ($686 million) for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
Deadly floods have swept through southwest China’s Guizhou province, claiming at least six lives and forcing tens of thousands to flee as rivers surge to levels not seen in half a century.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment