Tensions between Israel and Syria continue to focus on the strategically important Golan Heights, as both sides remain locked in a dispute over territory and security.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and later extended its laws and administration over the area. The United Nations and most of the international community continue to regard the territory as occupied Syrian land.

The situation has become more complicated since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, when Israeli forces moved into the UN-patrolled buffer zone and expanded their military presence in southern Syria.

The latest developments come amid wider efforts to determine the future of Israel-Syria relations, with the Golan Heights remaining one of the most sensitive territorial issues in any potential agreement.

Israel, Syria Tussle Over Control of Golan Heights

Israeli ground forces conducted a raid on a Syrian location near Kisweh, outside Damascus, which had already been targeted in airstrikes on the two preceding days, according to Syrian state media. The initial strike took place on Tuesday (Aug 26), reportedly killing six Syrian soldiers, as confirmed by Syria's Foreign Ministry. State-run SANA news agency reported a follow-up bombing on Wednesday (Aug 27). SANA cited a government source revealing that soldiers found "surveillance and eavesdropping devices" at the site before the Tuesday strikes. An anonymous defence official told AFP the location was a former Syrian military base in Tal Maneh, near Kisweh. Following the second attack, SANA stated that Israeli troops were airlifted to the area to conduct a raid, though the specifics remain unclear amidst ongoing reconnaissance flights. Israel has launched numerous airstrikes in Syria since the regime’s fall and has taken control of much of a UN-monitored demilitarised zone along the Syria-Israel armistice line.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-expands-strikes-in-syria-amid-plans-to-divide-country-1754821766368">Israel expands strikes in Syria amid plans to divide country</a>https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-drone-hits-military-building-in-syria-six-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-israeli-strike-1756269841807/embed<h2>Hezbollah weaponry reported on site</h2>The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors conflict zones through local contacts, indicated that the site housed weapons linked to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militia and key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Observatory described the raid as the first Israeli ground operation of its kind since Assad’s fall during a rebel offensive in December. Meanwhile, Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the drone strikes in the Kisweh suburb, stating the attack resulted in the deaths of eight soldiers. The ministry labelled the strikes as “a grave violation of international law” and a “clear breach of (Syria’s) sovereignty and territorial integrity.” It accused Israel of pursuing repeated aggressive policies aimed at destabilising the region.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-drone-hits-military-building-in-syria-six-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-israeli-strike-1756269841807">Israeli drone hits military building in Syria | Six Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli strike</a>&nbsp;<h2>Israel's involvement in Syria after fall of Assad</h2>The recent violence in Syria’s Sweida province began when members of a Bedouin tribe set up a checkpoint and allegedly robbed a Druze man. This incident sparked a cycle of retaliatory kidnappings and attacks between Bedouin tribes and Druze armed groups. Government forces attempted to intervene but were perceived as siding with the Bedouins, leading to tensions with Druze factions. The Syrian military's entry into Druze areas raised fears of targeting minorities, especially given past traumas like the 2018 ISIS attack on the Druze community, which killed and abducted many. &nbsp;Israel intervened primarily to prevent militant groups from operating near its northern border and to protect the Druze population in Syria due to strong ties with Israel’s own Druze community. Citing security concerns, Israel enforced a self-declared demilitarised zone in southern Syria and launched multiple airstrikes. Despite USattempts to broker peace through the Abraham Accords and engage with the Syrian government, Israel remains wary of the new leadership under al-Sharaa and has expanded its presence in Syrian territory since the fall of Assad.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-syria-ties-will-provide-any-help-possible-to-achieve-peace-trump-1755691173200">Israel-Syria ties | 'Will provide any help possible to achieve peace': Trump</a>

Israeli forces raided a former Syrian military base near Kisweh after two days of airstrikes, killing several soldiers. Syria condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty. The site allegedly housed Hezbollah weapons. 

Israeli ground forces conducted a raid on a Syrian location near Kisweh, outside Damascus, which had already been targeted in airstrikes on the two preceding days, according to Syrian state media. The initial strike took place on Tuesday (Aug 26), reportedly killing six Syrian soldiers, as confirmed by Syria's Foreign Ministry. State-run SANA news agency reported a follow-up bombing on Wednesday (Aug 27). SANA cited a government source revealing that soldiers found "surveillance and eavesdropping devices" at the site before the Tuesday strikes. An anonymous defence official told AFP the location was a former Syrian military base in Tal Maneh, near Kisweh. Following the second attack, SANA stated that Israeli troops were airlifted to the area to conduct a raid, though the specifics remain unclear amidst ongoing reconnaissance flights. Israel has launched numerous airstrikes in Syria since the regime’s fall and has taken control of much of a UN-monitored demilitarised zone along the Syria-Israel armistice line. Read More | Israel expands strikes in Syria amid plans to divide country https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-drone-hits-military-building-in-syria-six-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-israeli-strike-1756269841807/embed Hezbollah weaponry reported on site The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors conflict zones through local contacts, indicated that the site housed weapons linked to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militia and key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Observatory described the raid as the first Israeli ground operation of its kind since Assad’s fall during a rebel offensive in December. Meanwhile, Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the drone strikes in the Kisweh suburb, stating the attack resulted in the deaths of eight soldiers. The ministry labelled the strikes as “a grave violation of international law” and a “clear breach of (Syria’s) sovereignty and territorial integrity.” It accused Israel of pursuing repeated aggressive policies aimed at destabilising the region. Read More | Israeli drone hits military building in Syria | Six Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli strike Israel's involvement in Syria after fall of Assad The recent violence in Syria’s Sweida province began when members of a Bedouin tribe set up a checkpoint and allegedly robbed a Druze man. This incident sparked a cycle of retaliatory kidnappings and attacks between Bedouin tribes and Druze armed groups. Government forces attempted to intervene but were perceived as siding with the Bedouins, leading to tensions with Druze factions. The Syrian military's entry into Druze areas raised fears of targeting minorities, especially given past traumas like the 2018 ISIS attack on the Druze community, which killed and abducted many. Israel intervened primarily to prevent militant groups from operating near its northern border and to protect the Druze population in Syria due to strong ties with Israel’s own Druze community. Citing security concerns, Israel enforced a self-declared demilitarised zone in southern Syria and launched multiple airstrikes. Despite USattempts to broker peace through the Abraham Accords and engage with the Syrian government, Israel remains wary of the new leadership under al-Sharaa and has expanded its presence in Syrian territory since the fall of Assad. Read More | Israel-Syria ties | 'Will provide any help possible to achieve peace': Trump

Israeli forces raided a former Syrian military base near Kisweh after two days of airstrikes, killing several soldiers. Syria condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty. The site allegedly housed Hezbollah weapons.&nbsp;

Hezbollah weaponry? Israel strikes military building near Damascus killing 6 Syrian soldiers, launches raid by helicopter-borne troop

A new clash is ongoing in Syria between the Syrian military and the Druze community. The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds, triggering fears of attack on minorities and prompting Israeli strikes. Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to protect the country's diverse communities, has so far failed in preventing attacks on Alawites and Druze sect. In March, hundreds of people were killed during a crackdown on the Alawite sect, to which former dictator Bashar al-Assad belonged, in Latakia, and in April, clashes between pro-government armed forces and Druze militias left at least 100 people dead. Now, the clash between his forces and Druze militias has renewed primarily because of al-Sharaa's demand for disarmament. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned the transitional government in Syria, calling for the withdrawal of its forces from Sweida and for non-interference in Druze affairs, vowing escalation. Here's a look at who the Druze are, and why Israel is intervening in the matter<h2>Who are the Druze?</h2>The Druze are an Arab sect inhabiting Syria, Lebanon and Israel. This community originated in Egypt and follows an offshoot of Islam that does not allow conversion or interfaith marriages. It is called Ismailiyaah - a sect of Shia Islam - that began when during the reign of the sixth Fatimid caliph, al-Ḥakim bi-Amr Allah. Theologians began to organise a movement proclaiming al-Ḥakim a divine figure. This group went on to form what we call present-day Druze.&nbsp;More than 20,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights, the plateau that Israel seized from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967, before formally annexing it in 1981. Druze share the territory with around 25,000 Jewish settlers, spread across more than 30 settlements. Most Druze identify themselves as Syrian and have Israeli residency cards, though they aren't considered Israelis. Within Syria, the community is a majority in Suwayda province in the southern part of the country.&nbsp;A Druze spiritual leader, Hikmat Al-Hijri, called for international protection from "all countries" to "confront the barbaric campaign” by government and allied forces "using all means possible. We are facing a complete war of extermination," Al-Hijri said in a video statement.<h2>Why did Israel intervene in the matter?</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel is “committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel, and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria.” The Israeli government had also unilaterally declared a demilitarisation zone in Syria that “prohibits the introduction of forces and weapons into southern Syria." The Syrian government has rejected Israel’s declaration of a demilitarised zone. Israel, wary of extremist groups along its borders, has adopted a confrontational stance toward al-Sharaa, despite efforts by the Trump administration to foster Syrian-Israeli reconciliation and expansion of the Abraham Accords. Moreover, after the fall of the Assad regime, Israel has occupied more territories in Syria.&nbsp;Recently, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel is also eyeing an expansion of the accords. “Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalisation. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” he said. However, Israel's action on Syria does not support their statement.&nbsp;

The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds and has launched an attack on Druze militias, triggering fears of an attack on minorities - even under the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - and prompting Israeli strikes. 

A new clash is ongoing in Syria between the Syrian military and the Druze community. The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds, triggering fears of attack on minorities and prompting Israeli strikes. Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to protect the country's diverse communities, has so far failed in preventing attacks on Alawites and Druze sect. In March, hundreds of people were killed during a crackdown on the Alawite sect, to which former dictator Bashar al-Assad belonged, in Latakia, and in April, clashes between pro-government armed forces and Druze militias left at least 100 people dead. Now, the clash between his forces and Druze militias has renewed primarily because of al-Sharaa's demand for disarmament. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned the transitional government in Syria, calling for the withdrawal of its forces from Sweida and for non-interference in Druze affairs, vowing escalation. Here's a look at who the Druze are, and why Israel is intervening in the matter Who are the Druze? The Druze are an Arab sect inhabiting Syria, Lebanon and Israel. This community originated in Egypt and follows an offshoot of Islam that does not allow conversion or interfaith marriages. It is called Ismailiyaah - a sect of Shia Islam - that began when during the reign of the sixth Fatimid caliph, al-Ḥakim bi-Amr Allah. Theologians began to organise a movement proclaiming al-Ḥakim a divine figure. This group went on to form what we call present-day Druze. More than 20,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights, the plateau that Israel seized from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967, before formally annexing it in 1981. Druze share the territory with around 25,000 Jewish settlers, spread across more than 30 settlements. Most Druze identify themselves as Syrian and have Israeli residency cards, though they aren't considered Israelis. Within Syria, the community is a majority in Suwayda province in the southern part of the country. A Druze spiritual leader, Hikmat Al-Hijri, called for international protection from "all countries" to "confront the barbaric campaign” by government and allied forces "using all means possible. We are facing a complete war of extermination," Al-Hijri said in a video statement. Why did Israel intervene in the matter? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel is “committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel, and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria.” The Israeli government had also unilaterally declared a demilitarisation zone in Syria that “prohibits the introduction of forces and weapons into southern Syria." The Syrian government has rejected Israel’s declaration of a demilitarised zone. Israel, wary of extremist groups along its borders, has adopted a confrontational stance toward al-Sharaa, despite efforts by the Trump administration to foster Syrian-Israeli reconciliation and expansion of the Abraham Accords. Moreover, after the fall of the Assad regime, Israel has occupied more territories in Syria. Recently, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel is also eyeing an expansion of the accords. “Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalisation. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” he said. However, Israel's action on Syria does not support their statement.

The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds and has launched an attack on Druze militias, triggering fears of an attack on minorities - even under the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - and prompting Israeli strikes.&nbsp;

Who are the Druze and why is Israel bombing Syria in name of protecting this minority community?

Hours after the Israeli army attacked Syrian army headquarters, Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz shared a video on social media, in which a TV anchor is seen running off camera during a live broadcast after a building in Damascus was bombed by the Israeli army.The TV anchor was seen running off the television as she panicked after hearing explosions.The Israeli defence minister shared a post on X, writing, "The painful blows have begun". In an earlier post today, Katz warned, “The warnings in Damascus have ended - now painful blows will come.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">החלו המכות הכואבות <a href="https://t.co/1kJFFXoiua">pic.twitter.com/1kJFFXoiua</a>&mdash; ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1945457931316551890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Katz shared the video of the news anchor running for her life after she got scared hearing the explosions of the Israeli attack.The minister stressed that the IDF will continue to operate forcefully in Suwayda to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until their complete withdrawal."Our Druze brothers in Israel, you can rely on the Israel Defense Forces to protect your brothers in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu and I, as Minister of Defense, have made a commitment - and we will uphold it," he added.This comes after the ceasefire between the two sides was violated this morning.<h2>Israel bombs Syrian Army HQ</h2>Earlier today, the Israeli defence forces said that they bombed the entrance gate of the Syrian army's headquarters in Damascus. The Israeli army further said that they are striking the area, and are also prepared for various scenarios."The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria," the IDF said in a post on X.The Israeli forces stressed that the IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime's actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. "In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is striking in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios," the post read.According to the Syrian news agency, Israeli drones targeted Damascus earlier today, leading to several casualties. This comes as Israel intervened in the fight in Suwayda between armed groups and government forces.

A TV anchor for Syria local news was seen running for her life mid-telecast after Israeli army bombed in Damascus. The Israeli defence minister shared the video of the anchor on X, stating, "painful blows have begun".

Hours after the Israeli army attacked Syrian army headquarters, Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz shared a video on social media, in which a TV anchor is seen running off camera during a live broadcast after a building in Damascus was bombed by the Israeli army. The TV anchor was seen running off the television as she panicked after hearing explosions. The Israeli defence minister shared a post on X, writing, "The painful blows have begun". In an earlier post today, Katz warned, “The warnings in Damascus have ended - now painful blows will come.”

A TV anchor for Syria local news was seen running for her life mid-telecast after Israeli army bombed in Damascus. The Israeli defence minister shared the video of the anchor on X, stating, "painful blows have begun".

Israel bombs Syria: TV anchor runs for her life mid telecast as Israeli Army strikes Damascus - WATCH

The Israel Defence Forces on Wednesday (July 16) claimed that they had bombed the entrance gate of the Syrian army's headquarters in Damascus. The IDF announced this in a social media post, just after the sound of an explosion was heard in Syria's capital.The Israeli army further said that they are striking the area, and are also prepared for various scenarios."The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria," the IDF said in a post on X.The Israeli forces stressed that the IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime's actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria."In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is striking in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios," the post read.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⭕️The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime&#39;s military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria. The IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime&#39;s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. In accordance with directives from the political echelon,… <a href="https://t.co/WSyBFrCiog">pic.twitter.com/WSyBFrCiog</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1945421069487145072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier in the day, Israeli drones targeted Damascus, leading to the death of civilians, according to the Syrian news agency. This comes after the fighting in Suwayda between armed groups and government forces resumed today despite the two sides agreeing to a ceasefire on Tuesday.&nbsp;WATCH: Syrian forces accused of 'executions' in Druze area, war monitor: death toll rises to 203https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-forces-accused-of-executions-in-druze-area-war-monitor-death-toll-rises-to-203-1752658135932/embed<h2>Israeli army to reinforce border with Syria</h2>The Israeli army on Wednesday said that it will send reinforcements to the security fence on the border with Syria, as the IDF threatens to continue attacking Syrian forces if they do not withdraw from Suwayda province in southern Syria.Earlier today, the fight escalated after the ceasefire, which was reached on Tuesday, was violated. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the army will continue to attack Syria unless government forces pull out of the Druze-majority city of Suwayda.The Israeli army “will continue to strike regime forces until they withdraw from the area, and will soon escalate its response against the regime if the message is not understood”, Katz said.&nbsp;

The Israeli forces launched strikes on Syrian Army headquarters in capital Damascus after the ceasefire was violated. The IDF in a post on X, stressed that they are striking the area, noting they are also prepared for "various scenarios".

The Israel Defence Forces on Wednesday (July 16) claimed that they had bombed the entrance gate of the Syrian army's headquarters in Damascus. The IDF announced this in a social media post, just after the sound of an explosion was heard in Syria's capital. The Israeli army further said that they are striking the area, and are also prepared for various scenarios. "The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria," the IDF said in a post on X. The Israeli forces stressed that the IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime's actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. "In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is striking in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios," the post read.

The Israeli forces launched strikes on Syrian Army headquarters in capital Damascus after the ceasefire was violated. The IDF in a post on X, stressed that they are striking the area, noting they are also prepared for "various scenarios".

Israel bombs Syrian Army headquarters in Damascus after ceasefire violation

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting sanctions on Syria. This comes after Israel said that it is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon. Earlier, Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had said that ‘big announcement is expected regarding the Abraham Accords. Previously, in April this year, Trump had met Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh and had urged the post-Assad regime to recognise Israel. He had also announced then that the US would lift the sanctions on Syria. So, is Syria on its way to normalising diplomatic relations with Israel?&nbsp;<h2>Israel hints at normalising ties</h2>Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a press conference on Monday, said that Israel is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon, but will not negotiate the fate of the Golan Heights in any peace agreement. Relations in the region were thrown into uncertainty by more than a year of fighting between Israel and Lebanon from late 2023, in parallel to the war in Gaza, and by the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Israeli leaders argue that with its rival Iran weakened by this month's 12-day war, other countries in the region have an opportunity to forge ties with Israel. "We have an interest in adding countries such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation, while safeguarding Israel's essential and security interests," Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem. Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 after capturing the territory from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. While most of the international community regards the Golan as occupied Syrian land, US President Donald Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over it during his first term in office. Following Assad's ousting, Israeli forces moved further into Syrian territory.<h2>Could Syria join Abraham Accords?</h2>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that the Trump administration is expecting Syria to be one of the next countries to join the Abraham Accords. "The president is certainly hopeful that more countries in the region will sign on to the Abraham Accords," Leavitt said."When the president [Trump] met with the new president of Syria [Ahmed al-Sharaa] that was one of the requests that [Trump] made; for Syria to sign on to the Abraham Accords," she added.&nbsp;Announced during the first term of Trump, the Abraham Accords is an agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the US. In 2020, Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab countries to recognise Israel after Jordan in 1996. Later, Sudan and Morocco also established diplomatic relationships with Israel. In the statement about the Abraham Accords, US said that the goal is to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue", "end radicalization and conflict", pursue a vision of peace, security, prosperity in the Middle East", and strengthen "peace based on mutual understanding and coexistence." It further said that the to achieve this goal, the US encourages expansion of "friendly relations" between Israel and its neighbours.&nbsp;<h2>Trump signs executive order&nbsp;</h2>Trump on Monday (June 30) signed an executive order terminating the sanctions program on Syria, and the White House said that it was done to support the country to rebuild after a devastating civil war. This would allow an end to the country's isolation from the international financial system. The move will also allow the US to maintain sanctions on Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, people linked to chemical weapons activities, the Islamic State and ISIS affiliates and proxies for Iran, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters in a briefing.&nbsp;The White House in a fact sheet said the order directs the Secretary of State to review the terrorism designations of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group that Sharaa led that has roots in al Qaeda, as well as Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. It also added that the Trump administration would continue to monitor Syria's progress on key priorities, including “taking concrete steps toward normalising ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, deporting Palestinian terrorists and banning Palestinian terrorist groups.”

Syria seems to be on its way to normalising diplomatic relations with Israel after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting Assad-era sanctions. However, questions about Golan Heights and regional alliances exists

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting sanctions on Syria. This comes after Israel said that it is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon. Earlier, Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had said that ‘big announcement is expected regarding the Abraham Accords. Previously, in April this year, Trump had met Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh and had urged the post-Assad regime to recognise Israel. He had also announced then that the US would lift the sanctions on Syria. So, is Syria on its way to normalising diplomatic relations with Israel? Israel hints at normalising ties Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a press conference on Monday, said that Israel is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon, but will not negotiate the fate of the Golan Heights in any peace agreement. Relations in the region were thrown into uncertainty by more than a year of fighting between Israel and Lebanon from late 2023, in parallel to the war in Gaza, and by the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Israeli leaders argue that with its rival Iran weakened by this month's 12-day war, other countries in the region have an opportunity to forge ties with Israel. "We have an interest in adding countries such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation, while safeguarding Israel's essential and security interests," Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem. Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 after capturing the territory from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. While most of the international community regards the Golan as occupied Syrian land, US President Donald Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over it during his first term in office. Following Assad's ousting, Israeli forces moved further into Syrian territory. Could Syria join Abraham Accords? White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that the Trump administration is expecting Syria to be one of the next countries to join the Abraham Accords. "The president is certainly hopeful that more countries in the region will sign on to the Abraham Accords," Leavitt said. "When the president [Trump] met with the new president of Syria [Ahmed al-Sharaa] that was one of the requests that [Trump] made; for Syria to sign on to the Abraham Accords," she added. Announced during the first term of Trump, the Abraham Accords is an agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the US. In 2020, Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab countries to recognise Israel after Jordan in 1996. Later, Sudan and Morocco also established diplomatic relationships with Israel. In the statement about the Abraham Accords, US said that the goal is to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue", "end radicalization and conflict", pursue a vision of peace, security, prosperity in the Middle East", and strengthen "peace based on mutual understanding and coexistence." It further said that the to achieve this goal, the US encourages expansion of "friendly relations" between Israel and its neighbours. Trump signs executive order Trump on Monday (June 30) signed an executive order terminating the sanctions program on Syria, and the White House said that it was done to support the country to rebuild after a devastating civil war. This would allow an end to the country's isolation from the international financial system. The move will also allow the US to maintain sanctions on Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, people linked to chemical weapons activities, the Islamic State and ISIS affiliates and proxies for Iran, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters in a briefing. The White House in a fact sheet said the order directs the Secretary of State to review the terrorism designations of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group that Sharaa led that has roots in al Qaeda, as well as Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. It also added that the Trump administration would continue to monitor Syria's progress on key priorities, including “taking concrete steps toward normalising ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, deporting Palestinian terrorists and banning Palestinian terrorist groups.”

Syria seems to be on its way to normalising diplomatic relations with Israel after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting Assad-era sanctions. However, questions about Golan Heights and regional alliances exists

Syria-Israel friendship after US lifts sanctions? Israeli foreign minister hints at expansion of Abraham Accords - here's what we know

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Who are the Druze and why is Israel bombing Syria?

Israel bombs Syria: Anchor runs for her life as Israeli Army strikes Damascus

Israel bombs Syrian Army headquarters in Damascus after ceasefire violation

Syria-Israel friendship after US lifts sanctions? Here's what we know