By WSN News | Based on Reports from Al Jazeera
🔹 Introduction
In recent weeks, political whispers have grown louder in the Middle East. After more than a decade of devastating war, Syria’s government is gradually re-entering the regional diplomatic space. One of the most unexpected but significant developments: the possibility of Syria normalising relations with Israel, a country with which it has officially been at war since 1948.
Though unconfirmed officially, multiple sources including Al Jazeera have reported that backchannel talks are being held. Timelines for potential formal relations are being floated, and geopolitical analysts across the region are taking serious note of what could be a historic shift.
🔹 Historical Context
Syria and Israel have never shared formal diplomatic ties. Since the first Arab-Israeli War in 1948, the two countries have fought in multiple conflicts, most notably during the 1967 Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Syria lost the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau, to Israel in 1967 — a region still at the heart of the dispute.
Despite multiple peace attempts such as the Madrid Conference (1991) and Geneva Talks (2000), the two nations have remained in conflict. Golan Heights continues to be a major stumbling block.
🔹 The Turning Point
Now, after 14 years of civil war, the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad is attempting to rebuild international ties. With countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia reopening channels with Syria, normalisation with Israel is seen as the next step in rejoining global diplomacy.
Possible reasons include economic pressure, regional diplomacy shifts, and the example set by the Abraham Accords.
🔹 Reports of Talks
Al Jazeera and other Middle Eastern sources have claimed that indirect talks are taking place via mediators. While there is no official confirmation, insiders believe a two- or three-year roadmap is being quietly discussed.
- Restoring border confidence measures
- Exploring limited trade or water cooperation
- Discussing “shared sovereignty” over key territories
🔹 Golan Heights Dilemma
One of the toughest issues is the Golan Heights. Syria wants it back. Israel claims it. The U.S. under Donald Trump officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the region in 2019. Any peace process will need to tackle this issue with creativity — such as shared zones or international mediation.
🔹 International Reactions
- Iran opposes any such deal, seeing Israel as an enemy.
- Russia appears supportive and may be acting as a broker.
- The U.S. and EU are cautious but hopeful that peace could bring regional stability.
🔹 Public Sentiment
Even if leaders are ready, public emotions are complex. In Syria, decades of anti-Israel education and war memories shape public opinion. In Israel, citizens remain wary of Assad’s regime and Syria’s ties to Iran. A normalization deal would need strong public messaging and international support to succeed.
🔹 Conclusion
While nothing is confirmed yet, Syria-Israel normalization is no longer fiction. It is a real possibility in the corridors of diplomacy. If it happens, it would be a monumental shift not only for Syria and Israel — but for the entire Middle East.
📌 Stay tuned with WSN News for more verified updates on this historic situation.
Source: Al Jazeera | Article summarized and expanded by WSN editorial team.
Tags: Syria, Israel, , Middle East, Diplomacy, Peace Talks, Bashar al-Assad, Al Jazeera, Arab-Israeli War, Syria Civil War