Are the ‘Aram Naharaim Accords’ with Syria Approaching?

 

A significant shift in Israel-Syria relations may be underway, following Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa’s recent expression of interest in joining the Abraham Accords, according to reports from The Jerusalem Post.

During discussions with Republican US congressmen Marlin Stutzman and Cory Mills, al-Sharaa signaled his willingness to normalize ties with Israel. Notably, he refrained from mentioning the Golan Heights, an area recognized as Israeli territory by the United States during the Trump administration—an omission that marks a critical development in bilateral relations and should not be overlooked.

Reactions to al-Sharaa’s overture are divided. Skeptics question the credibility of his intentions due to his Jihadist background, while others advocate seizing any opportunity for peace, regardless of a leader’s past affiliations or ideologies.

This emerging diplomatic opportunity warrants a cautious yet serious examination. Israel, consistent with its longstanding policy since its 1948 Declaration of Independence, must continue to extend a hand for peace. This approach is particularly vital under the current US administration’s focus on fostering global peace and avoiding war. Israel must avoid being portrayed as an obstacle to peace, especially with al-Sharaa reaching out to Republican figures aligned with former President Trump.

Nonetheless, Israel must also emphasize to its American partners the critical lessons learned from past peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. Any future agreement with Syria must include comprehensive educational reforms to legitimize Israel’s existence and acknowledge the Jewish people's historic ties to the region. Toward this end, five key conditions for peace should be firmly established:

1. Permanent Israeli Sovereignty Over the Golan Heights: Withdrawal from this strategically vital territory is non-negotiable.

2. Protection of the Druze Communities: Israel must continue to safeguard the Druze populations in southern Syria, honoring its moral obligation to its own Druze citizens who have long advocated for such support.

3. Public Rejection of Jihadist Ideologies: Syrian leadership must formally denounce extremist movements, including Hamas’s acts of terrorism, particularly following the devastating attacks of October 7th.

4. Secure Border Arrangements: Measures must ensure the removal of hostile forces near Israeli borders, curb Iranian influence in Syria, and balance Turkish interests.

5. Comprehensive Educational and Media Reform: Syria must commit to eliminating anti-Israel rhetoric from its curriculums and state media, recognizing Israel and the Jewish people as indigenous and legitimate actors in the region.

These principles are essential for any realistic and sustainable peace framework. Israel must communicate clearly to its American allies that true peace is impossible without a foundation of mutual recognition and respect. The radicalization of Palestinian society under Hamas serves as a stark warning of the dangers of neglecting this aspect.

Al-Sharaa’s potential renunciation of his Jihadist past, a public break with Hamas, and symbolic gestures—such as the joint display of Israeli and Syrian flags—would represent meaningful progress. Moreover, such moves could destabilize the Muslim Brotherhood-led axis supported by Qatar and Turkey, easing some of the broader regional pressures on Israel. However, al-Sharaa would inevitably face significant internal opposition, which he must be prepared to confront.