Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secretly reached out to President Trump to mediate potential peace talks with Syria, marking what could be the first direct engagement between the two adversaries in over a decade.
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu has requested US mediation for peace talks with Syria’s new administration, seeking to normalize relations.
- This would represent the first direct engagement between Israel and Syria since 2011.
- US Special Envoy Tom Barrack has visited both countries and described the tensions as “a solvable problem.”
- Israel aims for a series of agreements, beginning with updated security arrangements and potentially leading to a full peace treaty.
- The initiative comes as Syria’s new leadership under President al-Sharaa appears more aligned with US and Saudi interests than with Iran or Turkey.
Netanyahu’s Diplomatic Initiative
In a significant diplomatic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approached the Trump administration to serve as an intermediary for potential peace negotiations with Syria. According to multiple Israeli officials, Netanyahu is eager to engage with Syria’s new leadership, signaling a possible shift in the long-frozen relationship between the two neighboring states. This outreach represents the most substantial diplomatic effort between the countries in over a decade, potentially reshaping regional dynamics in a way that could benefit both nations and broader Middle Eastern stability.
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed interest in holding talks with Syria’s new administration and has asked the United States to mediate, according to two Israeli officials,” stated Israeli officials.
The timing of this initiative is particularly noteworthy as it comes after reported changes in Syria’s power structure and strategic alignments. Israeli officials have expressed optimism about the opportunity, with one stating plainly: “We want to try and move towards normalisation with Syria as soon as possible.” This statement reflects Israel’s desire to capitalize on what it perceives as a favorable diplomatic window, potentially adding Syria to the growing list of Arab nations normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords framework championed by President Trump.
US Mediation and Shifting Regional Dynamics
President Trump’s administration has already taken preliminary steps toward facilitating this dialogue. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack has visited both countries in recent weeks, describing the tensions between Israel and Syria as “a solvable problem.” This characterization suggests confidence within the Trump administration that meaningful progress is possible despite decades of hostility. The US has also recently shifted its stance on Syria by lifting some sanctions, potentially creating more favorable conditions for diplomatic engagement.
“a solvable problem,” said Tom Barrack.
Israel appears to view Syria’s current leadership as more aligned with American and Saudi Arabian interests than with Iran or Turkey. “It is better for us that the Syrian government is close to the US and Saudi Arabia,” noted an Israeli official familiar with the situation. This strategic assessment underlies Netanyahu’s interest in pursuing talks now, particularly as reports indicate Iranian-backed forces have significantly reduced their presence in Syria. For Israel, this represents a critical security development that makes diplomatic engagement more feasible.
Practical Considerations and Security Concerns
Netanyahu’s approach appears methodical, with the goal of establishing a series of agreements rather than rushing toward a comprehensive peace treaty. The initial focus would be on updating existing security frameworks, with the potential to build toward more comprehensive arrangements if early negotiations prove successful. Israel has reportedly established clear conditions for any agreement, including preventing Turkey from establishing military bases in Syria, maintaining demilitarization in southern Syria, and ensuring Iranian-backed terror groups cannot reestablish themselves near Israel’s borders.
“I think peace is very possible, if not probable but the first priority has to be Syria focusing on Syria,” said Rev. Johnnie Moore.
The status of the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and formally annexed in 1981, remains a significant complication. While not addressed in initial discussions, this territorial dispute would inevitably factor into any comprehensive peace arrangement. Israeli officials have made clear that the IDF will maintain its presence on the Syrian border until a formal agreement is signed and implemented, reflecting Israel’s prioritization of security guarantees in any diplomatic process.
Religious Diplomacy and Future Prospects
In an intriguing development that suggests multiple channels of engagement, a Trump-linked evangelical pastor and a rabbi recently met with Syrian President al-Sharaa in Damascus. This religious diplomacy track indicates the multi-faceted approach being employed to build bridges between the longtime adversaries. Such parallel engagement through religious figures, official envoys, and political channels demonstrates the seriousness with which both sides appear to be approaching this potential diplomatic breakthrough.
While significant obstacles remain, Netanyahu’s initiative represents a bold attempt to reshape Israel’s relationship with a traditional enemy. If successful, these talks could fundamentally alter the regional security landscape by removing one of Israel’s historical adversaries from the Iranian sphere of influence. For American interests in the Middle East, facilitating such an agreement would represent another major diplomatic achievement for President Trump, further cementing his legacy as a peacemaker in a region long plagued by intractable conflicts.
