Israel Seeks Peaceful Ties Amidst Golan Heights Dispute
Israel aims to establish diplomatic relations with Syria and Lebanon while maintaining control over the Golan Heights. The initiative comes amid regional changes and past conflicts, and despite controversy and opposition. Syria insists on the return of occupied territories as a prerequisite for normalization.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed Israel's interest in forging formal diplomatic relations with Syria and Lebanon, without compromising on the status of the Golan Heights. The announcement follows regional shifts and a perceived weakening of rival Iran.
While recent international dynamics have prompted nations such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco to normalize ties with Israel, the prospect remains contentious in the Arab world. Saar highlighted that incorporating Syria and Lebanon into diplomatic peace efforts could strengthen regional stability.
Syria remains staunchly opposed, demanding the return of the Golan Heights and other occupied territories, as proposed in the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, before any normalization can proceed. Meanwhile, Israel continues to assert that condition-free peace accords are more beneficial.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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