Syria said not to demand Golan Heights in peace talks; FM Sa’ar: Israel ‘interested in peace with Syria, Lebanon’

Since the end of the war against Iran, numerous reports about new Abraham Accords have been floating around, with the leading candidates being Saudi Arabia, as well as Syria.

On Monday, a senior Israeli official confirmed to the Times of Israel that there are “advanced talks” on a bilateral agreement halting hostilities between the former archenemies.

The official said that for now, the talks focus on security issues and cautioned against enthusiasm. “Could it develop into something beyond? We will wait and see. For now, there isn’t anything concrete.”

Among several recent reports causing surging optimism for a deal, the Lebanese LBCI channel reported that Syria could drop the demand for the return of the Golan Heights, which Israel captured after being attacked by Syria in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

In the decades since, the issue has torpedoed several rounds of talks about a peace agreement between the countries.

LBCI reported that instead, President Ahmad al-Sharaa wants Israel to recognize his regime and withdraw from the buffer zone it captured in southern Syria in January.

On Monday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reiterated that “the Golan Heights will remain an inseparable part of the State of Israel” under any future agreement.

“We have paid for the new reality in the Middle East with the blood of our soldiers and citizens. But this reality also brings opportunities. Israel seeks to expand the circle of the Abraham Accords. We are interested in bringing countries like Syria and Lebanon – our neighbors – into the peace and normalization process, while safeguarding our essential and security interests,” Sa’ar said.

Meanwhile, despite the optimistic reports, it seems that the Syrian government is not unified on the issue of peace with Israel. The Lebanese outlet Al-Akhbar cited sources saying that ongoing discussions “indicate that such a step does not enjoy genuine consensus, even within the team loyal to Sharaa.”

Sharaa’s team is instead requesting a more limited agreement with Israel from the American mediators.

Israeli officials also told Ynet News that a security arrangement instead of full peace is more likely at this point. Those hoping to enjoy a plate of hummus in the Damascus Suq will have to dream on,” a cabinet official said.

Most official Israeli statements have indicated cautious optimism toward an agreement with Syria.

However, amid the increase of reports on the issue, Golan Regional Council Head Uri Kelner and Katzrin Local Council Head Yehuda Doeh warned the government against making rash decisions on Monday.

“We welcome any genuine peace initiative, but emphasize clearly and unequivocally: Any future agreement must include unequivocal recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan, uncompromising maintenance of Israel’s security superiority in the region, and clear and binding arrangements that will continue to ensure the safety and security of the residents of the State of Israel,” they wrote in a statement.

“Residents of Katzrin and the Golan stood with great courage in the face of thousands of rockets, murders, and fires, all in order to protect the border of the State of Israel,” they said.

Former defense minister and National Unity chairman Benny Gantz said he is in favor of normalizing relations with Syria, but: “Syria is not the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, or Bahrain. It shares a border with us. It is a country that fought against us in the past. Its regime is unstable and in its early stages.”

“In any agreement, we must prioritize, first and foremost, security arrangements. We must not retreat from the commanding positions that enable us to protect the residents of the Golan. We must safeguard the interests of our Druze brothers. Any arrangement with Syria must begin with maintaining Israel's security superiority in the region,” he wrote on 𝕏.

“We must not compromise even a bit on maintaining our control and security superiority. First and foremost, ensure security; only then can we pursue peace.”