Israel and Syria Eye Historic Peace Deal by Year-End - Faith & Freedom News

TEL AVIV & DAMASCUS – A groundbreaking era for Middle East peace may be on the horizon, as Israeli media reported on June 28, citing Syrian sources, that Israel and Syria are expected to sign a comprehensive peace agreement before the end of 2025. This potential accord promises a significant shift in regional dynamics, including Israel’s gradual withdrawal from Syrian territories it occupied following its incursion into the buffer zone on December 8, 2024, notably encompassing the summit of Mount Hermon.

The proposed agreement, as reported by i24NEWS, envisions a full normalization of relations between the two long-standing adversaries, with the symbolic transformation of the Golan Heights into a “garden of peace.” This development marks a profound shift from decades of strained relations, including Israel’s occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights since the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequent incursions.

President Trump’s Vision: Expanding the Abraham Accords

This momentous possibility is significantly bolstered by US President Donald Trump’s active diplomatic efforts to expand the landmark Abraham Accords. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on June 27 that President Trump is “certainly hopeful that more countries in the region will sign on to the Abraham Accords.” She highlighted that during his meeting with Syria’s new de facto President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, President Trump directly requested Syria’s entry into the Accords, emphasizing the US desire for “a long, enduring peace in the Middle East.”

The Abraham Accords, a historic achievement of the Trump administration, symbolize tolerance and coexistence, fostering a culture of peace among the Abrahamic religions. Their expansion is seen as crucial for long-term regional stability.

Behind the Scenes: Unprecedented Dialogue and Bridge-Building

The path to this potential peace has been paved by discreet, yet impactful, diplomatic engagements. Israel and Syria have been involved in both indirect and direct talks, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, since at least May.

A key figure in these burgeoning relationships is Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, who undertook a visit to Damascus in mid-June. In an extensive interview with Al Majalla, Cooper described his two-hour meeting with President Al-Sharaa as deeply impactful, noting the Syrian leader’s “strategic and practical mindset aimed at removing Syria from the list of hostile states” and his sincere hope for peace. Cooper proposed humanitarian and cooperation initiatives, including a DNA project for missing persons and collaboration on water and agriculture.

When asked about Al-Sharaa’s pursuit of a peace deal, Rabbi Cooper affirmed, “I believe he has the tools and skills to make it happen.” He suggested that while de-escalation is the current focus, a “warm peace” doesn’t necessarily need to follow the exact Abraham Accords framework. However, he stressed that President Trump’s greater involvement, potentially inviting both Al-Sharaa and Netanyahu for a joint endorsement, could “expedite Syria’s inclusion in the Abraham Accords.”

Further solidifying these efforts, Israeli National Security Council Chairman Tzachi Hanegbi confirmed to Knesset members in a secret meeting on June 24 that he is personally managing a direct dialogue with the Syrian government at all levels, including with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, indicating a significant diplomatic breakthrough. He also noted that Lebanon is a candidate for joining the Accords.

This pursuit of comprehensive peace also runs parallel to ongoing efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, which have intensified from the US side even during the recent Israel-Iran conflict. Israeli Minister Ron Dermer is reportedly set to visit Washington for talks focused on important issues. More details on these developments can be found on Israel Hayom.

As discussions continue, with symbolic gestures like a Tel Aviv billboard proclaiming “Abraham Alliance… It’s time for a new Middle East” with images of regional leaders including President Al-Sharaa, the hope for a truly transformed Middle East where cooperation triumphs over conflict appears more tangible than ever.