Israel Aims for Diplomacy with Syria and Lebanon Amidst Regional Tensions

In a strategic move to stabilize regional ties, Israel has expressed interest in establishing formal diplomatic relations with historical adversaries Syria and Lebanon, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Notably, Israel remains steadfast in its refusal to discuss the fate of the Golan Heights in any peace negotiations.

The geopolitical landscape of the region has been significantly affected by prolonged conflicts between Israel and Lebanon since 2023, coupled with the civil war in Gaza and the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights took place in 1981 following acquisition of the territory from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War.

In recent developments, Israel and Syria's new Islamist leaders engaged in direct talks aimed at mitigating tensions along their shared border, a move that coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's unexpected lifting of sanctions against the Syrian Islamist government during his meeting with Syria's president in Saudi Arabia. Following Assad's fall, Israeli forces occupied positions within the demilitarised zone in Syria, including areas on Mount Hermon overlooking Damascus.

(With inputs from agencies.)