Nir Boms, chairman of the Syria Research Study Online Forum at the Moshe Dayan Center in Tel Aviv, informs TML: “It has to do with steady partnership. Israelis currently understand Syrians much better than the majority of people believe, and we have a structure to develop from.”
[Damascus] Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has actually indicated a determination to check out the possibility of stabilizing relations with Israel, according to senior Syrian authorities. The relocation would represent a significant shift in Damascus’ longstanding position towards its southern next-door neighbor, which it has actually technically been at war with given that 1948.
The remarks were made throughout a conference previously this month in Damascus with United States Representatives Marlin Stutzman and Cory Mills and were initially reported by Bloomberg News. Syrian federal government sources verified the account to The Media Line, highlighting that any such normalization procedure would require to maintain Syria’s unity and complete sovereignty.
Historic stress and moving characteristics
The Syrian-Israeli dispute go back to 1948, when Syria signed up with other Arab countries in the very first war versus the freshly stated State of Israel. The 2 nations later on participated in a number of military conflicts, most significantly the 1967 war, throughout which Israel inhabited the Golan Heights– a location that stays a core sign of Syrian sovereignty and a main challenge to peace.
In spite of years of hostility, the 1990s saw discreet efforts at reconciliation, especially following the Madrid Conference and throughout the period of President Hafez Assad. Erratic efforts continued under Bashar Assad, particularly after the 2007 Annapolis Conference. Nevertheless, settlements consistently collapsed over one concern: Israel’s rejection to completely withdraw from the Golan.
This isn’t taking place in seclusion. We are residing in the post– October 7 truth.
Nir Boms, chairman of the Syria Research Study Online Forum at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Research Studies at Tel Aviv University, informed The Media Line that current shifts throughout the area are affecting Damascus’ calculus. “This isn’t taking place in seclusion. We are residing in the post– October 7 truth. The Iranian axis is damaged. The counter-offensive versus Iran’s proxies has actually left Hezbollah weaker. Syria remains in a various location now, and Iran is under pressure. The opposition, sidelined for several years, now has an opportunity to raise its voice,” he stated.
Syria signals interest in the Abraham Accords
Throughout his conference with the United States delegation, President al-Sharaa mentioned that “Damascus is open to the Abraham Accords,” referencing the US-brokered normalization contracts in between Israel and a number of Arab states given that 2020. While this does not total up to a dedication to stabilize ties, it signifies political pragmatism and a shift in local method.
According to Rep. Stutzman, al-Sharaa securely declined any political plan that jeopardizes Syria’s territorial stability. He likewise required an end to Israeli airstrikes within Syrian area, calling them a destabilizing force that fuels local stress.
Boms even more assessed how local characteristics have actually progressed recently. “In 1948, Israel combated versus 4 Arab nations. In the 2023– 2025 Gaza war, we likewise dealt with several fronts– however none were Arab states. Not a single Arab nation closed its embassy or withdrew its diplomats. On the contrary, lots of were assisting us obstruct Iranian rockets. That informs you something has actually altered,” he stated. He included, “This relocation wasn’t random. The arrest of Palestinian Islamic Jihad leaders took place the exact same week as a number of other advancements– this belongs to an American pressure method.”
Israel’s mindful action and local recalibration
A senior source in Syria’s Defense Ministry informed The Media Line that Israel’s method over the previous years has actually concentrated on “avoiding Iranian entrenchment” and “reducing the effects of dangers from Hezbollah.” These objectives have actually triggered numerous airstrikes on Iranian-linked targets inside Syria.
Although Israeli authorities have not openly reacted to al-Sharaa’s remarks, the source stated Tel Aviv was carefully keeping track of advancements in Damascus, especially because of moving power characteristics following the fall of Syria’s previous routine. This might open a brand-new, though politically delicate, diplomatic channel.
Boms likewise indicated indications of modification within Syrian armed factions, especially in the northwest of the nation, where previously hard-line leaders are revealing indications of recalibration.
” I become part of a group, consisting of individuals who have actually talked with al-Jolani, that thinks there’s a chance for development in Syria– if we play our cards right, Bom described. “There are definitely practical components around al-Jolani, and I think he himself has actually revealed a determination to pursue a brand-new course.”
I have actually fulfilled informed, major Syrians who desire a much better future– one that consists of stability and enhanced relations
Boms stated the modifications in rhetoric are being accompanied by a more comprehensive desire for nationwide healing. “I have actually fulfilled informed, major Syrians who desire a much better future– one that consists of stability and enhanced relations. They acknowledge that Syria has real, unbiased issues. Dispute is subjective and can be dealt with. If these brand-new declarations of Al Jolani show real will, I’m delighted.”
Civil society voices and people-to-people diplomacy
While some political stars in Syria invited the president’s openness to local peace efforts, others voiced apprehension. Critics argue that any normalization effort need to be based upon a real public required and accompanied by significant domestic political reforms.
Opposition figures see normalization as a possible tool to get global assistance for restoration. Still, they worry it should not come at the expense of justice for previous abuses, responsibility throughout any shift, or the rights of refugees.
Reviewing the advancement of people-to-people ties, Boms stated he has actually touched with Syrians for several years. “I have actually been talking to Syrians for 15 years and have actually hosted lots of in my own home. These relationships are vital. In between 1948 and the Syrian civil war, really couple of Syrians ever gone to Israel. However in the last years, I have actually hosted much more than that,” he stated.
” We have actually dealt with over 5,000 Syrians in Israeli health centers. Thousands more have actually been engaged through Operation Good Next-door Neighbor. And now, we’re collaborating in civil society efforts and other types of partnership,” he included.
Prospective advantages and deep obstacles
For Damascus, normalization might assist end local and global seclusion, bring in foreign financial investment, speed up restoration, and produce an opening for a US-backed political development. For Israel, it might lower Iranian impact along its northern border, protect an enduring ceasefire in the Golan Heights, unlock access to local markets that consist of Syria, and assist incorporate Syria into a US-supported local security and financial structure.
Looking ahead, Boms warned that such a procedure will need perseverance and clearness. “Normalization must require time. It has to do with trust-building. Today, we do not completely comprehend where the brand-new Syrian management stands, just how much power they have, or perhaps whether they’ll stay in location. However the truth that conversations are happening is considerable,” he stated. “In truth, I have actually been dealing with Syrian coworkers to start preparing possible structures. There have actually been discussions over the previous couple of months about how to develop trust, enhance interaction, and foster relationships in between Syrians and Israelis.”
In spite of appealing signals, a number of significant challenges stay. Chief amongst them is the status of the occupied Golan Heights, which Syria demands recovering. The ongoing existence of Iranian forces in Syria is seen by Israel as an existential hazard. Popular opinion in both Syria and the more comprehensive Arab world is divided on normalization, particularly because of stalled development on the Palestinian concern. In addition, both Russia and Iran– long time allies of Damascus– might withstand normalization, seeing it as a hazard to their local impact.
Boms likewise connected growing pragmatism to the effects of extended dispute in the area. “Lots of in Lebanon, and definitely in Syria, comprehend that when radicals are permitted to run things, the outcome is bloodshed– a war that rejects individuals development, success, and advancement. A few of the emerging pragmatism originates from this awareness,” he stated.
He included that this shift in tone might likewise be seen in the rhetoric of figures like al-Jolani, the as soon as hard-line leader in Syria’s northwest. “Al-Jolani speaks in practical, nationalistic terms– not humanitarian ones. He’s speaking as a Syrian, however he’s likewise under the impact of several stars: Turkish and Qatari interests weigh greatly,” Boms stated.
A long roadway towards sustainable peace
Syria’s brand-new management appears intent on rearranging the nation diplomatically. While sovereignty and territorial stability stay nonnegotiable, President al-Sharaa’s rhetoric signals an openness to discussion– supplied Syria’s core nationwide interests are secured.
If this method develops into a concrete method, it might mark a turning point in Arab-Israeli relations, with Damascus– as soon as a fortress of anti-Israel resistance– going into a more comprehensive local adjustment.
Boms compared past peace handle present techniques. “Jordan and Egypt signed peace contracts– however they didn’t develop peace amongst individuals. That’s a significant distinction. On the other hand, the UAE and Morocco approached it in a different way. I think in people-to-people work due to the fact that it produces long-lasting structures, and with Syria we need to go for the exact same long-lasting procedure,” stated Boms.
He worried that the normalization procedure need to not be politicized. “This isn’t about Netanyahu making a declaration back. It’s not about headings. It has to do with steady partnership. Israelis currently understand Syrians much better than the majority of people believe, and we have a structure to develop from,” he included.
Whether this change takes hold will depend upon local power balances, the clearness of Syria’s political method, and the function of the United States as a reputable conciliator.
There are Israelis and Syrians who comprehend that this is an opportunity to alter the truth– to damage the ‘axis of resistance’ and develop what I call an ‘axis of renaissance’
Boms concluded by explaining the more comprehensive vision behind the present diplomatic momentum. “However there are Israelis and Syrians who comprehend that this is an opportunity to alter the truth– to damage the ‘axis of resistance’ and develop what I call an ‘axis of renaissance.’ This implies getting in touch with practical partners in the area: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and others. Israel and the United States have a function to play because,” Boms stated.
Even early indicators of normalization might shock the diplomatic landscape, redrawing the map of Middle Eastern alliances. While the course forward stays unsure, Syria’s mindful overture shows an understanding of moving local characteristics and a desire to redefine its diplomacy without jeopardizing nationwide concepts.