Israel is interested in establishing formal diplomatic relations with its long-time enemies Syria and Lebanon, but will not discuss the future of the Golan Heights as part of any peace agreement. This was stated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, quoted by Reuters, reports News.bg.
Regional relations remain tense, after clashes between Israel and Lebanon have continued since the end of 2023, in parallel with the war in Gaza. Further tensions were brought by the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, after capturing them from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. However, the international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
In May, it became clear that Israel had entered into direct contact with the new Islamist rulers in Syria. The two sides even held personal meetings with the aim of de-escalating tensions and preventing a new military conflict along their shared border.
In addition, US President Donald Trump met with the new Syrian leader in Saudi Arabia that same month, urging him to normalize relations with Israel. Trump surprisingly announced that the US would lift all sanctions against the new Islamist government in Damascus.
Shortly after the fall of the Assad regime, Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone in southern Syria, including the Syrian side of the strategic Mount Hermon, which overlooks the capital Damascus.