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Israel and Syria on the Verge of a Historic Normalization
Israeli Foreign Minister Yadoun Sa'ar stated that Israel's continued control over the Golan Heights is a key condition for any potential normalization agreement with Syria. He confirmed that recognition by Damascus of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan is a necessary step to move forward with an agreement with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharif.
In his interview with the Hebrew channel i24NEWS, Sa'ar explained that "if there are opportunities to achieve peace or normalization with Syria, with the Golan remaining under Israeli sovereignty, then—in my opinion—this would be a positive step for the future of Israelis." Sa'ar's remarks come amid reports from the same channel citing a knowledgeable Syrian source who expects a full normalization agreement between Damascus and Tel Aviv before the end of 2025. The source indicated that negotiations are still ongoing, under the direct sponsorship of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with encouragement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and guidance from Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharif.
The source added that the proposed agreement includes a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territories it controlled after entering the buffer zone in December 2024, including Mount Hermon. Efforts are also underway to transform the Golan Heights into a "Garden of Peace," although the issue of final sovereignty has not been explicitly clarified.
The channel pointed out that the recent war between Israel and Iran has contributed to bringing Damascus and Tel Aviv closer. Syria has permitted Israeli aircraft to use its airspace during military operations, according to Israeli reports. Some operations have also been carried out from within Syrian territory, reflecting what is believed to be a shift in the positions of both parties.
If completed, this rapprochement would be one of the most significant political shifts in the Middle East since the beginning of this decade, potentially changing the balance of power and alliances in the region. However, details remain secret, with official silence from both sides regarding the progress of negotiations.
