Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday that Israel is open to establishing diplomatic relations with Syria and Lebanon but made clear that the status of Golan Heights is nonnegotiable. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Saar framed the potential outreach as part of Israel’s broader push for regional normalization following the recent 12-day war, which Israeli leaders say has weakened Iran’s influence.
“We have an interest in adding countries such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbors, to the circle of peace and normalization, while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” Saar said. “The Golan will remain part of the State of Israel,” he added.
Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 after capturing the territory from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israeli forces advanced further into Syrian territory following the ousting of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
A senior Syrian official, speaking anonymously, rejected any possibility of relinquishing the Golan Heights, calling it an inseparable part of Syria. The official said normalization must follow the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which links Arab recognition of Israel to its withdrawal from occupied territories, including the Golan, West Bank, and Gaza, and the creation of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Axios reported Monday that the Trump administration is holding ‘preliminary discussions’ with Israel and Syria on a potential security agreement, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. The talks are currently limited to officials below the level of Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa, and there is no discussion yet of a leaders’ summit, a U.S. official added.
In May, Israel and Syria had held direct, face-to-face meetings aimed at reducing border tensions. That same month, President Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria and met with Syria’s new president, encouraging normalization with Israel.
