Newsletters
Israel and Syria are expected to sign a peace agreement before the end of 2025, according to a Syrian source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, as reported by the Israeli media outlet i24NEWS.
The agreement, described as "historic," is set to fully normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The deal reportedly includes a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all Syrian territory seized after the incursion into the buffer zone on December 8, 2024. This includes key strategic areas such as the peak of Mount Hermon. According to the source, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights will be designated as "a garden for peace" under the agreement framework.
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi recently confirmed during a classified session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israel and the Syrian regime are in "direct daily contact."
"There is direct daily dialogue at all levels between Israel and the regime in Syria. I am leading it with political officials there," Hanegbi was quoted by another Israeli media outlet Israel Hayom.
He also stated that both Syria and Lebanon are being considered as potential participants in the Abraham Accords, joining other Arab countries that have normalized relations with Israel since 2020.
When asked whether Israel had agreed to withdraw the Israeli army from so-called buffer zones as part of normalization discussions, Hanegbi responded, "If there is normalization, we'll examine this," but stated, "we will not withdraw from the Syrian Hermon."
1 min read
US Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas J. Barrack which also serves as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye, confirmed in an interview with Al Jazeera that the current Syrian administration is "quietly negotiating with Israel on all issues."
"The Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa does not want war with Israel," Barrack stated. He also urged the international community to give the new Syrian leadership a chance.
In a previous post on X, Barrack noted: "The birth of a new Syria begins with truth, accountability, and cooperation with the region. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has opened the door to peace. Lifting sanctions will allow the Syrian people to open that door and explore a path toward prosperity and security." .
He also expressed support for US President Donald Trump's vision for Syria, describing it as "hopeful and achievable."
6 min read
