Israel will maintain control over the Golan Heights in any potential peace agreement with Syria, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.
In a significant development, peace negotiations between Syria and Israel are underway, with both parties aiming for normalization and a lasting peace agreement. The focus of these talks is the disputed Golan Heights, a territory seized by Israel in 1967 and annexed later, which remains a contentious issue.
Syria seeks the return of the Golan Heights, with a vision to transform the area into a "garden for peace." This transformation would involve a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territories occupied after December 2024, including strategic areas such as the summit of Mount Hermon. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has stated that the Golan Heights will remain under Israeli sovereignty, a stance that Israel maintains firmly [1][2][5].
The negotiations are complex, hinging upon post-Assad regime changes in Syria and regional diplomacy shifts. Syrian sources emphasize comprehensive normalization and territorial restoration, while Israel maintains its strategic and sovereign claims [1][2][5].
Israeli forces have moved into the U.N.-patrolled demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights after Bashar al-Assad's overthrow in December 2024, seizing areas in southern Syria since January. However, it is important to note that the annexation of the Golan Heights by Israel is not recognized by the United Nations [3].
The specific terms of the peace agreement, including the status of the Golan Heights, are still under negotiation. Syrian sources have suggested that no timeline for the completion of the peace negotiations has been provided, although the end of 2025 is suggested as a possible timeline for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Syria and Israel [4].
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has expressed interest in striking peace agreements not only with Syria but also with Lebanon. Sa'ar mentioned adding Syria and Lebanon as potential additions to the circle of peace and normalization [6]. However, no specific timeline for peace negotiations with Lebanon was provided by Sa'ar.
The conflicting accounts regarding Syria's stance on the Golan Heights are based on sources in both Israeli and Lebanese media. While some reports suggest that Syria would insist on an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights as a condition for any future peace agreement, other reports contradict this, stating that Syria is not currently demanding that Israel return parts of the Golan Heights it captured in 1967 [3].
In conclusion, the peace negotiations between Syria and Israel are a significant step towards regional stability. The negotiations are complex, with both parties holding firm to their positions. The future of the Golan Heights remains a contentious issue, with Syria seeking the return of the territory and Israel insisting on retaining full sovereignty. The negotiations are ongoing, and the specific terms of the peace agreement are still under negotiation.
| Aspect | Syrian Position | Israeli Position | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Sovereignty over Golan Heights | Seeks return of territory, gradual Israeli withdrawal, transformation into a peace park | Insists on retaining full sovereignty, non-negotiable | | Peace negotiations | Engaged in direct talks aiming for normalization and peace | Open to peace but only if Golan remains Israeli |
The complex negotiations between Syria and Israel continue, with Syrian aspirations for the return of the Golan Heights and transformation into a "garden for peace," contrasting with Israel's firm stance on retaining sovereignty over the region. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has expressed interest in peace agreements with not only Syria but also Lebanon, suggesting potential additions to the circle of peace and normalization.
