Are Syria and Israel Normalizing Relations?

Kokcha News Agency: Israel and Syria held their first direct talks in Paris on August 19, with discussions focusing on a potential “security” agreement. The meeting, facilitated by U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, included Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Şeybani, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and Syrian Intelligence Chief Hüseyin es Seleme.

This was not the first meeting between the two sides, as previous contacts had taken place in Baku and Paris through intermediaries. However, the August 19 meeting was notable for being the first direct engagement and for being publicly announced by the Syrian government through its official news agency, SANA.

According to SANA, the talks focused on reducing tensions in the Suweida region in southern Syria and reviving the 1974 ceasefire agreement between the two countries. The report also stated that both sides agreed to continue negotiations. Israel, however, has not officially commented on the talks.

Israeli media reported that Tom Barrack met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem over the weekend to discuss the outcomes of the talks with Syria. According to these reports, the two sides have reached an understanding on the disarmament of the Golan Heights, preventing Syria from acquiring weapons that could threaten Israel, and opening a humanitarian corridor in the south. Syria has yet to confirm these claims.

A Month After Israel’s Attack on Damascus
The timing of these talks is particularly striking, as they come just one month after Israel launched a significant military strike on Damascus, targeting several official institutions, including the Syrian General Staff. Israel’s attack was in response to Syria’s intervention in a Druze-Bedouin conflict in Suweida on July 13. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, tensions in the region remain high.

Israel has also conducted several military operations in southern Syria since the start of the new era following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, citing border security concerns. These actions, including the expansion of a buffer zone, have been interpreted as part of Israel’s efforts to destabilize Syria and divide the country.

Syria Seeks to Reduce Tensions
The Syrian transitional government, led by President Ahmed El-Şara, has reportedly conveyed its desire to avoid further escalation with Israel, both in its talks with the U.S. and in its direct engagement with Israel. The Syrian government is currently focused on addressing critical issues such as political, social, and economic stability, as well as ensuring full security across the country.

A State of War Since 1948
Syria has not recognized Israel since its establishment in 1948, and the two countries have fought three wars (1948-1949, 1967, and 1973). During the 1967 war, Israel occupied the Golan Heights, which it later annexed in 1981. The 1974 ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United Nations, remains the only formal agreement between the two countries, technically leaving them in a state of war.

The 1974 agreement called for the demilitarization of the Golan Heights and the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force. However, Israel is reportedly seeking to expand the agreement to address current security needs and strengthen the buffer zone along the border.

Normalization Won’t Be Easy
Following the lifting of U.S. sanctions, Syria’s transitional government appears to be seeking to normalize relations with Israel as part of its broader efforts to improve ties with the U.S. and the West. However, this process is fraught with challenges.

One major obstacle is the U.S. expectation that Syria recognize Israel under the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic relations. This seems unlikely, especially given the ongoing violence in Gaza. Additionally, Israel’s security-focused approach and its willingness to expand its influence pose further complications.

Israel has created a new security parameter through its engagement with the Druze community in Suweida, which could lead to difficult demands for the Syrian government, already struggling with issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Druze Involvement Adds Complexity
On the same day as the Şeybani-Dermer meeting, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack met with Israeli Druze leader Sheikh Muwaffak Tarif in Paris. Tarif reportedly requested the opening of a land corridor for humanitarian aid to Suweida under U.S. guarantees. The pro-Israel stance of some Druze groups in Syria and their requests for protection have raised concerns about regional stability.

This complex situation suggests that while the initial talks between Israel and Syria may yield security-related outcomes, full normalization will require long-term planning and significant diplomatic efforts.