Yerevan and Jerusalem: Strengthening Ties Through Abraham Accords and Direct Dialogue

The relationship between Armenia and Israel often appears to be stuck in a holding pattern, despite deep cultural histories and common strategic interests. Recent events in the Middle East, paired with calls for more meaningful engagement, highlight the need for more direct talks and cooperative projects between Yerevan and Jerusalem. In the following conversation, break down the recent tensions in Syria, Israel’s regional strategy, and the complex dynamics at play with Armenia–Israel relations, while exploring real opportunities for moving forward.

The Syrian Crisis and the Druze Community’s Dilemma

Violence in southern Syria regularly disrupts regional stability. One of the most sensitive recent flashpoints involves the Druze, a minority community living in both Syria and Israel. The latest escalation began after clashes erupted between Druze and Bedouin tribes—largely Sunnis supported by the Syrian government. The conflict forced the question: who protects the rights of ethnic and religious minorities in Syria, and what role might Israel play?

Origins of Druze-Bedouin Tension

Bad blood between the Druze and Bedouin communities is not new, but a local incident quickly turned deadly and led to large-scale violence. The Bedouin tribes, backed by government forces, clashed openly with Druze militias. While the exact numbers are uncertain, around 200,000 Druze reportedly live in Israel, making their fate in Syria especially important for Israeli society.

As violence spilled over, the Druze in Israel responded with protests and strikes, calling for urgent intervention as Syrian government troops withdrew from Druze-majority areas. This turmoil left local Druze militias to maintain order, amid growing fear and uncertainty.

Israel’s Involvement and Military Operations

Tensions on Israel’s northern border always stir government concern, especially when violence threatens Israeli citizens or co-ethnic communities abroad. As the crisis escalated, Israel struck key Syrian targets—including the Defense Ministry, General Staff, and even the presidential palace. These strikes sent a clear message: Israel would use military force to protect security and minority rights.

The United States also got involved, urging both sides to dial back the violence. But it was Israel’s forceful intervention that tipped the balance, forcing a temporary pause.

Some Israeli Druze even crossed the border into Syria, concerned for relatives. Two Druze members of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, joined military escorts in attempts to negotiate and bring their people back to safety. These personal risks underscore how closely communities in the region watch events on the ground.

Israel’s Approach to Protecting the Druze

Israel has always viewed the safety of its Druze community as a top internal priority. In this crisis, the Israeli prime minister emphasized two imperatives:

• Protect the northern border’s security
• Safeguard Israeli Druze and support cross-border kin

By confronting the Syrian government directly, Israel signaled its readiness to take strong measures, both for regional security and to support minorities under threat.

Shifts in Israeli Strategy and Regional Diplomacy

Israel’s moves in Syria aren’t happening in a vacuum. The attack on Syrian government positions, and the wider crackdowns, stem from deep skepticism toward the new Syrian leadership. Old wounds—like the atrocities by ISIS affiliates such as the group formerly led by Ahmad Ashara—run deep.

Israel’s View of Syrian Leadership Changes

When Syria underwent leadership changes, many in the region were cautiously optimistic. But Israel took a wait-and-see approach. The presence of ex-ISIS figures like Ahmad Ashara made officials suspicious of the new government’s intentions, especially after reports of violence against Syrian Alawites and minorities.

The skepticism has only grown as reports of atrocities, allegedly with the help of government-aligned gangs, appeared across Syrian Druze areas, including attacks on hospitals and public spaces.

A New Israeli Security Doctrine

After Israel’s devastating experience on October 7 and subsequent confrontations with Hamas and Hezbollah, the country shifted from a reactive to a proactive security stance. In the past, Israel responded to specific attacks—missile barrages from Gaza, bombings by Hezbollah. Now, Israel hits strategic enemies’ main bases first, daring them to escalate.

Recent air raids in Syria show this logic in action, targeting government centers and sending a message: threats will be countered at their source. Israeli officials now openly state that the days of waiting are over.

The regional fallout is already apparent. Iran and its network of militias across Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine have often used proxies to strike at Israel. But recent policy changes mean Israel now aims at the “head,” not just the “tentacles.”

Turkey’s Rhetoric and Regional Antagonism

Despite Turkish threats and rising anti-Israeli sentiment—itself at a peak not seen for decades—Israeli policymakers largely ignore Ankara’s statements. Turkey, seeking influence across the Middle East, often leads anti-Israeli or even antisemitic campaigns to project power.

But Israeli officials emphasize a simple message: military confrontation is a dead end. Economic competition and trade are the real drivers of progress in the region.

Israel and the Arab World: Success Stories and Prospects

The Abraham Accords marked a sea change, with UAE and Israel building robust ties. Today, there are around ten daily flights between Israel and Dubai. Trade and cultural exchanges have grown rapidly.

Israeli leaders argue that the same model can work elsewhere, pointing to the benefits of open trade, rather than perpetual conflict.

Armenia–Israel Relations: Challenges and Opportunities

Talks around Armenia–Israel relations often start with one question: why aren’t ties closer, given history and potential? For now, relations lag behind what both countries could achieve.

Diplomatic Gaps and Pressing Concerns

Armenia opened a resident embassy in Israel with an ambassador, but Israel hasn’t reciprocated. Officials cite two main reasons:

• Financial and security issues: Embassy staff and premises require funding and safety arrangements.
• Small Jewish community and limited trade: Armenia’s Jewish population is small and trade volumes are low.

Yet this reasoning falters under scrutiny. Israel recently opened an embassy in Estonia, where there’s little Jewish presence and only modest trade. The real roadblocks lie deeper.

Historical and Political Roadblocks

Political axes formed after the Soviet Union’s collapse left Armenia and Israel in different blocs. Armenia found common cause with Russia and several regional neighbors. Israel gravitated toward Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as Central Asian countries.

This legacy shaped perceptions for decades. In the 2000s, inter-parliamentary friendships briefly picked up traction. But the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and Israel’s military aid to Azerbaijan soured Armenian attitudes. The recognition of Palestine by Armenia after Israeli–Hamas tensions in 2023 further chilled relations, with Israel viewing it as indirect encouragement to terrorism.

There’s also concern in Israel about Armenia’s growing partnership with Iran. However, analysts note these links are practical, not ideological, and stem from necessity—Armenia has faced blockades from Turkey and Azerbaijan, leaving Iran as a key trade outlet.

US Role and Pathways for Dialogue

Armenian and Israeli parliamentarians have met in the United States, engaging with American Jewish groups. However, substantive change remains slow.

Moving relations forward might require steps like:

• Regular technical meetings between foreign ministries to address issues and build trust
• Fostering dialogue to dispel stereotypes and historical baggage
• Exploring possible inclusion in Abraham Accords-type regional frameworks

Proposed Actions for Breaking the Deadlock

Challenge	Suggested Steps
No Israeli Embassy in Armenia	Initiate technical consultations, highlight reciprocity
Political frictions	Ramp up parliamentary and civil society contacts
Small trade and community size	Launch local joint initiatives, cultural exchanges
Historical misunderstandings	Organize public forums, promote people-to-people engagement

Building Bridges: Armenian and Jewish Community Initiatives

If diplomacy is slow, communities and cultural projects often move faster.

Ongoing Cultural Exchanges

Armenian and Israeli artists and cultural groups regularly participate in each other’s major festivals. Examples include Armenian participation in events in Israel and Israeli jurors at the Golden Apricot Film Festival in Yerevan. Cultural contact builds goodwill and can lead to wider opportunities.

Jewish and Armenian organizations are also working together on grassroots events and community support projects.

The Growth of Jewish Life in Yerevan

Recent geopolitical shifts—especially the war in Ukraine—have led to new immigration and the growth of communities like the Jewish House (Yerevan Jewish Home) led by Andrey Taukin. Locals say the Jewish community in Armenia has become more visible and vibrant.

Leaders from both countries visited this center to deepen cooperation. Increased contacts help lay the groundwork for better mutual understanding at the national level.

Potential for Broader Cooperation

Beyond arts and community ties, civil society groups, public diplomacy centers, and parliamentary friendship groups offer tools for keeping dialogue lively when politics slows. Armenian and Jewish diaspora organizations in the United States have shown the value of joint advocacy and partnership on issues of common concern.

Toward a New Future in Armenian–Israeli Relations

Decades of hesitation, old political habits, and negative stereotypes can stifle progress. But ordinary Armenians and Israelis look more alike than different in everyday hopes, values, and ambitions.

Tackling Stereotypes and Building Understanding

The path forward involves open conversations and regular contact to break down dated views. Real friendships develop when people connect face to face, and officials see up close the opportunities that cooperation brings.

Why More Active Diplomacy Matters

Official ties matter. Embassy openings, state visits, and technical deals could unlock growth in trade, tourism, education, and technology. When governments show willingness to invest in the relationship, businesses and culture will follow.

The Abraham Accords: A Possible Model

New regional groupings, like the Abraham Accords, raise hopes that Armenia–Israel relations can be pulled out of the past. Including more countries in this framework could spark economic and security benefits for several states—including, eventually, Syria and Lebanon, if they embrace necessary reforms.

Looking Ahead

Things may be complex, but both Armenia and Israel have more reasons than ever to put the relationship on a solid, positive track. Cultural, economic, and community ties only grow with time. Pulling from the successes of the Abraham Accords and building on growing grassroots engagement, the two countries have all the ingredients needed for a stronger partnership.

Better dialogue and closer connections could bring big wins for both sides, from increased security and prosperity to deeper mutual understanding. The ball is now in the court of diplomats, civic leaders, and everyday citizens willing to seize the opportunity for something new.

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