The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has triggered a cascade of diplomatic activity, with Israel now engaged in direct peace negotiations with its long-time adversary. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Sunday that these talks are showing “some progress” and are part of a broader, unexpected opportunity for peace that also includes Lebanon. This opportunity, he claimed, was born from Israel’s recent military conflict with Hezbollah.
Historically, the Syrian-Israeli border has been one of the most stable yet hostile fronts in the Middle East. The end of Assad’s rule has broken this paradigm, allowing for unprecedented direct dialogue. A Syrian official has gone on record stating that the goal is to finalize security and military agreements by the end of this year, a timeline that suggests serious intent on both sides.
The situation in Lebanon is intricately linked. Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, an ally of the former Assad regime, is seen by Netanyahu as the key that unlocked these new possibilities. While a ceasefire is in place, Israeli strikes continue, weakening the militant group. This aligns with U.S. efforts to press the Lebanese government into disarming Hezbollah, thereby strengthening the official state apparatus.
“We are conducting talks with the Syrians,” Netanyahu confirmed, adding that the potential for peace with both northern neighbors “was not even imagined before our recent operations.” This statement positions the anti-Hezbollah campaign not just as a defensive war, but as a strategic offensive to reshape the entire northern border.
Damascus, under new leadership, appears willing to make concessions for peace and stability. President Ahmed al-Sharaa is negotiating an Israeli withdrawal from areas it recently occupied, contingent on the establishment of a demilitarized zone. A Syrian military source has confirmed the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the area, a significant gesture of goodwill in these delicate negotiations.