Will Syria Normalize Ties with Israel?
In December of 2024, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani––also referred to as Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa––took control over Syria, ending decades of a brutal Assad regime. But the question remains: will Syria become a “friend” to Israel, or will it continue to be its not so distant hostile neighbor?
Since assuming power, Sharaa has been consistent in his messaging. He envisions a unified, opportunity-driven state, one where western powers will feel compelled to invest in it, and one that will not only be stable but also prosperous. His interim-led government has shown mostly positive signs (barring a few exceptions): signing a constitutional declaration to uphold Women’s and human rights, seeking support from Western nations to ease crippling sanctions, cutting off Hezbollah’s weapons transit into Lebanon, and working to form a government that will bring together various rebel groups still hesitant over Sharaa’s grip over Syria. These initiatives have been reflective in his recent effort to distance himself from the Assad regime. Just a few days ago, Syria unveiled a new national emblem––in hopes to turn in a new page from an otherwise destructive past few decades.
Syria has a lot to gain if it chooses to normalize ties with Israel. For one, it would be able to shift its focus from Israel Military presence in southern Syria to long overdue domestic reforms. Major firms such as UCC Holding, a Qatar-based energy company, along with others from Turkey and the US, have pledged over $7 Billion to revitalize Syria’s energy sector. The World Bank also approved a $146 million grant to upgrade the national electricity grid. These are early signs that Syria’s immense potential, long held back by war, could finally be realized.
Second, normalizing ties with Israel has proved extremely beneficial for many countries. The United Arab Emirates, for example, experienced a 510% jump in bilateral trade with Israel in 2021 compared to 2020 after it joined the Abraham Accords, eventually reaching up to $1.2 Billion according to the Washington institute. Morocco, another signatory, secured US recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara and enjoyed boosts in trade, investment, and tourism. Though politically sensitive, improved ties with Israel have clearly yielded economic and diplomatic rewards.
Third, it would change the face of the Middle East. Syria would serve as a beacon of hope for countries such as Lebanon, which, if it solves its internal struggles with Hezbollah, could finally achieve peace after years of conflict. It could set a precedent for peaceful transformation across the Levant.
But what would Syria normalizing ties with Israel actually look like?
Whether Syria wishes to join the Abraham Accords or aims for a return to the 1974 disengagement deal with Israel remains unclear. Though President Trump has repeatedly stated that he hopes Syria will in fact join the historic peace agreements signed in 2020, Ahmed al-Sharaa has avoided answering questions publicly relating to this matter.
But there is still hope for a deal. Last week, the Jerusalem District Court agreed to postpone Prime Minister Netanyahu’s testimony after top Mossad officials and IDF Military Intelligence informed the judges of regional developments, potentially including the possibility of some sort of peace opportunity with regards to Syria.
Whether Syria’s new leadership will pursue full normalization with Israel remains uncertain, but the incentives—economic recovery, international legitimacy, and regional influence—are clear. If Ahmed al-Sharaa chooses diplomacy over hostility, Syria could redefine its future and become a surprising yet powerful force for stability in the Middle East. The world is watching—and the opportunity may not come again.
