Syria-Israel Normalization? From taboo to presidential palace in Daramsuq

DARAMSUQ/TEL AVIV — Once a taboo topic under the former Syrian dictatorial regime, the phrase “normalization with Israel” is now increasingly echoed across Syria, signaling the potential start of a new era in Syrian-Israeli relations.

US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barack, confirmed that the new Syrian administration, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has been quietly engaging in talks with Israel. In an interview with al-Arabiya, Barack stated that the discussions cover border disputes, Israeli incursions, and broader issues. He emphasized that the current Syrian leadership is not in conflict with Israel and does not seek confrontation, urging the international community to give Syria a chance.

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that Israel’s continued presence in the Golan Heights is a fundamental condition for normalization with Syria. According to Israeli sources, several other preconditions have been laid out for the normalization process — which is reportedly being brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. These include preventing the deployment of Syrian or Iranian-allied forces in southern Syria, disarmament in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida, and granting Israel the right to intervene militarily at will if threats are detected.

Syria, on the other hand, has its own demands for normalization. These include a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory occupied since entering the buffer zone in December of last year — including the summit of Mount Hermon — and the transformation of the Golan Heights into a “Peace Park,” as described by the Daramsuq (Damascus) administration. A full normalization of diplomatic relations would follow, according to informed sources.