A Potential Security Agreement Between Syria and Israel Paves the Way for Normalization: Golan and Shebaa Farms on the Negotiation Table
A potential security agreement between Syria and Israel paves the way for comprehensive normalization and border understandings
American and Israeli reports have revealed preliminary talks led by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to establish a potential security agreement between Syria and Israel, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Damascus. The discussions include border arrangements, intelligence cooperation, and economic collaboration, amid Israeli indications of possible future normalization.
Initial Talks Mediated by the United States
According to Axios, citing American and Israeli officials, President Trump’s administration has initiated preliminary discussions with Syria’s new government to explore the possibility of reaching a security agreement with Israel.
This move follows Trump’s announcement of lifting most sanctions imposed on Syria, after the fall of Assad’s regime and the appointment of Ahmad Al-Shar’a as president.
Currently, the talks are focused on updating security arrangements along the Syrian-Israeli border and reducing tensions, without addressing normalization at this stage.
A Multi-Phase Agreement Covering Security and Economic Cooperation
Israeli sources indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks a multi-phase agreement with Syria, starting with the update of the 1974 disengagement agreement and ultimately aiming for full peace and normalization of relations.
These sources mention that the talks involve new security arrangements on the Golan Heights border, enhanced intelligence cooperation against Hezbollah and Iran, and potential economic projects including Israeli gas exports to Syria and water management in the Yarmouk River basin. There is also discussion of transforming Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) into a joint ski resort.
According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, the agreement might include Israeli recognition of Shebaa Farms as Syrian territory, a move expected to provoke strong reactions from Hezbollah, which cites the issue as justification for maintaining its armed status.
Secret Communication Channels
Reports point to four active communication channels between Israel and Syria, involving Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad Director David Barnea, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and daily military coordination via the Israeli Defense Forces.
The U.S. special envoy, Tom Barrack, is also in contact with Syrian officials below the presidential level. There has been no discussion yet of a summit between the two countries’ leaders. A U.S. official told Axios: “We are conducting very quiet discussions… diplomatic breakthroughs are like peeling an onion.”
The Golan Heights: The Most Sensitive Issue
The Golan Heights remains one of the most contentious points. Israel, whose sovereignty over the Golan was recognized by Trump in 2019, refuses any withdrawal without guarantees of a full peace agreement and comprehensive normalization. Tel Aviv regards territories it took control of inside Syria after the regime’s fall as a bargaining chip in negotiations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar affirmed that the Golan will remain part of Israel under any potential agreement with Damascus.
Lifting Sanctions as a Gateway to a Potential Syria-Israel Security Agreement
On June 30, President Trump signed an executive order lifting most U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria since the 1970s. This step is seen as paving the way for Syria’s engagement in a new regional negotiation track, opening the door for its possible inclusion in the Abraham Accords, which expanded following normalization between Israel and several Arab countries.
Source: Axios, Israeli Broadcasting Corporation
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