The Arab world’s deep-seated stance against normalization with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state continues to be a major challenge, as exemplified by the unpopularity of the 2020 Abraham Accords and now, Syria’s firm position. This comes as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced Israel’s interest in formal ties with Syria and Lebanon on Monday.
Israel’s current diplomatic push is driven by the belief that Iran’s influence has waned after the recent 12-day war, creating an opening for other regional nations to engage. However, Saar maintained that the Golan Heights, annexed by Israel in 1981 after being captured from Syria in 1967, remains non-negotiable, setting up a clear point of contention.
The Middle East has been upended by nearly two years of war in Gaza, Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the overthrow of Iran-backed Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Israeli leaders argue that these shifts offer an opportune moment for forging new alliances and expanding the “circle of peace.”
However, a senior Syrian official reiterated that any normalization must be part of the comprehensive 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. This initiative calls for full Arab recognition of Israel in exchange for its complete withdrawal from occupied territories, including the Golan, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, dismissed the Palestinian statehood precondition as “not constructive” and a security threat, highlighting a fundamental impasse.
