Syria–Israel Peace: A Regional Shift |
The prospect of a peace agreement between Syria and Israel represents a profound transformation in the structure of regional relations after years of war and instability. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 and the rise of a new leadership in Damascus under Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria began redefining its foreign and security policies, opening the door to an unprecedented diplomatic track with Israel.
Historical Background and the Shift Toward Dialogue
Hostility between Syria and Israel dates back to 1948 and has included multiple wars, prolonged tensions along the Golan Heights, and indirect confrontations through regional proxies. For decades, the conflict remained frozen but unresolved, with periodic escalations and persistent mistrust.
The collapse of the Assad regime created a strategic vacuum and an opportunity for recalibration. Signals soon emerged that Damascus was prepared to engage in direct or indirect security negotiations with Israel, reportedly under American and regional mediation. Initially framed as de-escalation talks aimed at halting........