After Assad's fall, Israel moved additional troops to the Golan heights and recently flew attacks in Syria again. Now Damascus is open to “calm the situation.” According to the transitional president, negotiations are underway.
According to the Syrian temporary president Ahmed al-Sharaa, Israel and Syria have recorded indirect discussions. At a press conference with the French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Al-Sharaa said: “Indirect negotiations with Israel take place on mediators to calm the situation and prevent a loss of control.” According to Damascus, a possible peace process is based on certain conditions.
Among other things, the foundation of an independent Palestinian state and the return of the areas occupied by Israel since 1967 are part of the conditions. Similar prerequisite had already made the influential Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a condition for normalization with Israel.
According to the sources, Israel has not yet reacted constructively to the signals from Damascus. Instead, the country tries to dictate new conditions through violence.
Progress is questioned
The Golan heights occupied by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981 remained a central point of dispute between Israel and Syria, which have been officially in the state of war since 1948. Annexion is not recognized internationally. Despite the latest signals from Damascus, progress is unlikely.
After the Syrian upheaval, Israel moved additional troops to the area and continues to fly air strikes in Syria – most recently with attacks on the minority of the Drusen through regulatory groups.
