Abraham Accords Set to Expand to Lebanon and Syria - Faith & Freedom News

Jerusalem, Israel – In a significant move towards regional stability, Israel has announced its intention to include neighboring Lebanon and Syria in the Abraham Accords, aiming to establish diplomatic ties and foster a new era of peace in the Middle East. This potential expansion signals a profound shift in geopolitical dynamics, with implications for the entire region.

Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, emphasized the goal of broadening the circle of nations that have signed the Abraham Accords. “We are interested in adding countries such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbors, to the circle of peace and normalization while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” Saar stated at a press conference alongside Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

Advanced Talks Underway with Syria

Sources within the Israeli government confirm “advanced talks” with Syria regarding a bilateral agreement to halt hostilities. A senior Israeli official, speaking to The Times of Israel, highlighted that these contacts are primarily focused on security coordination. While a full peace deal remains speculative, the aspiration to include Syria in the Abraham Accords is clear. “There is absolutely an aspiration to expand the Abraham Accords, and it’s no secret that we want to see Syria in this,” the official remarked. “And there may be an opportunity.”

These crucial discussions are being led on the Israeli side by National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, who recently confirmed daily direct contact with the Syrian regime regarding potential normalization. Foreign Minister Saar also reiterated Israel’s firm stance that in any potential peace agreement with Syria, the Golan Heights will remain an integral part of the State of Israel. Israel captured the strategic plateau in 1967 and effectively annexed it in 1981.

Lebanon Also a Candidate for Normalization

Israel views Lebanon, another neighbor with whom it is officially in a state of war, as a strong candidate for normalization. This comes amidst reports suggesting greater openness in the ongoing talks. Lebanese news channel LBCI reported that Syria is not demanding the return of the Golan Heights in potential peace agreements. Instead, Damascus is seeking Israeli recognition of the new regime, withdrawal from areas held by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in southern Syria, defined security arrangements in the south, and U.S. support.

A Syrian official, speaking to Kan public broadcaster, confirmed that the issue of the Golan Heights has not been a focal point in discussions, with Syria’s main concern being the withdrawal of IDF troops from the buffer zone in the south. The official also noted that the current Syrian government is “opposed to Iran and its proxy terror groups, Hezbollah and Hamas,” signaling a potential alignment of interests.

Broader Regional Implications and US Role

Top security officials, including the heads of IDF Military Intelligence and the Mossad, recently conveyed to judges presiding over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial that there is a historic opportunity to reshape the Middle East by expanding Israel’s circle of peace, including with Syria.

Former US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, echoed optimism regarding expanded possibilities in the region. He emphasized that more countries would likely make peace with Israel as a result of the US and Israeli campaign against Iran. Abraham Cooper, an American rabbi who held talks with Syrian officials, suggested that a meeting between Netanyahu and the new Syrian president could be possible with Trump’s continued involvement and support for Syria’s rehabilitation.

Pakistan’s Cautious Stance on Abraham Accords

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that any pressure on Islamabad to join the Abraham Accords will be assessed strictly through the lens of national interest. In an interview on ‘Nadeem Malik Live’ on SAMAA TV, Asif clarified, “We will respond only when officially asked to join the accords. If there is pressure, we will see our interests. We will not become part of any U.S. policy that undermines Pakistan’s sovereignty or harms our interests.”

Asif emphasized ongoing consultations within the government and highlighted Pakistan’s crucial role in the current global scenario. “In today’s global scenario, if we remain spectators instead of becoming players, we risk significant losses,” he remarked, underscoring a strategic and cautious approach to international alliances.