Israel-Syria Normalization? All the Signs Pointing to a Historic Deal After Iran War Ceasefire
Israel and Syria are engaged in promising talks for a normalization agreement, potentially joining the Abraham Accords, driven by recent military victories and U.S. mediation. The postponement of Netanyahu’s trial and statements from both Israeli and Syrian officials signal a strategic push for peace amid a shifting Middle East landscape.
Recent developments suggest that Israel and Syria are nearing a historic normalization agreement, potentially expanding the Abraham Accords, following the temporary conclusion of Israel’s conflict with Iran on June 17, 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s postponed court testimony, originally scheduled for June 2025, was delayed for two weeks due to sensitive diplomatic engagements, including negotiations with Iran post-ceasefire and progress on a hostage release framework led by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Sources indicate that discussions with Syria, under its new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as al-Julani), are a significant factor. A Syrian official revealed that negotiations between Israel and Syria are advancing at military, security, and political levels, stating, “Trump sees peace agreements as an opportunity for immense economic development and profit for the U.S. When Israel seeks peace with a nation, it looks for a leader with authority and control, unlike Assad, who lacked legitimacy.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a Fox News interview on June 29, 2025, hinted at Syria’s potential inclusion in the Abraham Accords, saying, “I lifted sanctions to give them that option. We have great countries in the Abraham Accords, and I think we’ll start adding more.” Trump’s envoy to Syria, Thomas Brak, confirmed ongoing talks, noting, “The current Syrian government has no conflict with Israel and no interest in confrontation. They deserve a chance.” Syrian sources emphasized that Damascus seeks to resolve disputes, including Israeli airstrikes and border issues, while prioritizing sovereignty through Arab-mediated talks. They added, “If Syria wants to attract investment, it must first address its issues, with Israel at the center.”
Netanyahu, in a public statement, underscored the opportunity, saying, “We fought valiantly against Iran and achieved a great victory. This victory opens a dramatic opportunity to expand peace agreements. We are working on this diligently, alongside freeing our hostages and defeating Hamas. This window of opportunity must not be missed, not even a single day.” Rabbi Abraham Cooper, who met al-Sharaa in Damascus, suggested a high-level summit, stating, “If President Trump calls both leaders to Washington for a few hours, it could change the picture. If he commits to helping rebuild Syria, everything is possible.” These developments follow Israel’s military successes, including Operation Rising Lion, which crippled Iran’s nuclear program, creating a favorable environment for regional diplomacy.