Israeli Media: A potential Israeli–Syrian security agreement and prospects for normalization

Israeli media outlets have reported that Israel and Syria may be nearing a security understanding under US auspices, amid an acceleration of political contacts in recent weeks and unprecedented discussion of steps that could extend to diplomatic normalization.

According to a report by the Israeli i24NEWS, citing a Syrian source described as close to Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa, Syrian and Israeli officials are expected to hold a meeting soon—possibly in Paris—with US mediation to finalize a preliminary security agreement between the two sides.

The Syrian source said the talks would not be limited to security arrangements, but would also address potential joint strategic and economic projects in buffer zones along the border, with the aim of enhancing stability and encouraging investment.

The report noted growing optimism in some circles about the possibility of opening an Israeli diplomatic mission in Damascus before the end of the year, in light of what the source described as Syria’s progress toward engagement with the Abraham Accords.

Initially, Damascus had reportedly planned only to sign a security agreement and open an Israeli liaison office without full diplomatic status.

However, the pace of developments has reportedly accelerated due to US pressure—particularly from President Donald Trump—and increased Syrian openness.

According to the same source, if Damascus succeeds in reaching internal agreements with the Druze in southern Syria, similar to those reached with Kurdish groups in the northeast, and if Israel commits to respecting Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, the Syrian leadership could be open to expanding the agreement beyond security cooperation to include formal diplomatic relations and the opening of an Israeli embassy in Damascus.

The source also claimed that the Syrian leadership views the idea of a 25-year lease arrangement for the Golan Heights as a possible compromise to advance the peace process, drawing a comparison to previous arrangements between Israel and Jordan in certain border areas.

Under this proposal, the Golan Heights would be transformed into a peace park hosting joint economic projects.

Additionally, the report stated that the US president is seeking to bring together Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa for a face-to-face meeting to sign a potential peace agreement.

Separately, the source indicated that the Syrian government intends to adopt a new local administration system based on expanded administrative decentralization to increase local community participation across all governorates.

This approach, according to the source, is intended to help resolve ongoing conflicts with minority groups.

A new Syrian government is reportedly expected to be formed within the next three months.

At the same time, the report recalled Israel’s repeated declarations that it won’t return any part of the Golan Heights, while Syria continues to regard the area as occupied territory and demands its return in accordance with international law, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981.

President Ahmed al Sharaa has previously emphasized Syria’s rejection of any territorial concessions, stressing national unity and describing the Golan Heights as a non-negotiable issue.