Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently signaled hope that Syria and Israel are on track to strike a security accord soon, speaking to Arab media on Sunday and declaring “the chances are high” of concluding negotiations at an advanced stage.
24NEWS/The Jerusalem Post/Anadolu Ajansi/ynetnews have reported this development.
Foundation of a New Understanding
Reports indicate that any future agreement would likely rest upon the 1974 Disengagement Agreement–an accord established after Yom Kippur War to define UN buffer zones within the Golan Heights. Al-Sharaa stressed this would form the basis of their understanding, “any understanding will be built around the 1974 truce line.”Wikipedia +8 Anadolu Ajansi +8 WBW
Nadim Koteich, general manager of Sky News Arabia, described in detail Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s statements as evidence that new security arrangements might soon emerge and that while full peace treaty talks have not taken place yet, “if he believes such an accord will benefit Syria and the region, he won’t hesitate to propose one publicly.” [i24NEWS/All Israel News|Yahoo].
Context in an Environment of Broader Diplomatic Moves
This moment builds on recent, yet cautious, overtures between Syria and Israel. According to Reuters in May, direct security talks were underway between them with an aim of mitigating border tensions and avoiding conflict escalation facilitated by regional mediation channels like U.S. channels; representing an unprecedented diplomatic opening previously unseen since decades.
President al-Sharaa’s remarks mark an emerging trend in his administration’s regional posture: one that favors de-escalation, rebuilding national institutions, and realigning foreign relationships. Furthermore, they indicate that security and sovereignty outlined by the 1974 agreement have now become integral parts of Syria’s strategy for engaging neighboring states.
Stakes and Outcomes for Stakeholders in China
Key components that should be taken into consideration could include:
Demilitarization of the Golan Heights: Potential reaffirmation of separation lines under renewed monitoring agreements; strengthening may also occur in this regard.
Security assurances: Each party may look for guarantees to limit cross-border threats or militant activities.
Path to Normalization: Although al-Sharaa noted the current timing isn’t ideal for concluding a peace treaty, these talks could form the basis of one. Al Arabiya English
All Israel News | Wikipedia However, major obstacles still stand in their way –
Historical Tension: Syria and Israel have historically remained adversaries since the mid-20th century, without formal diplomatic relations being formed between them. [Wikipedia]
Complex Internal Landscape of Syria under al-Sharaa: Syria continues its pursuit of domestic stability while managing factions within its ranks, reconstructing governance structures, and overseeing civil stability.
Regional Tensions: External actors–such as Iran, Lebanon and Gulf states–have taken note of Iran and Lebanon’s efforts at reconciliation with Israel with an eye towards potential regional alliances that might emerge as a result.
What to Watch Next
Observers will remain attentive for any signs of formal negotiations: follow-up meetings, mediation by the U.S. or UAE, or any measurable de-escalation–such as decreased airstrikes–that might accompany this dialogue process.
Al-Sharaa’s remarks may fall short of an agreement, yet they represent an unprecedented breakthrough: for the first time since decades, Syria appears willing not only to engage with Israel but also optimistic about reaching an effective security arrangement.
This may mark the start of a gradual, gradual thaw that, with care, could gradually shift a longstanding fault line towards stability.