Israel Foreign Minister sees potential peace deal with Syria, keeping Golan, as positive for future.

Israel Foreign Minister sees potential peace deal with Syria, keeping Golan, as positive for future.

Israel's Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, has expressed optimism regarding the possibility of a peace agreement with Syria, which could potentially include the Golan Heights. This development comes amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region and address long-standing territorial disputes.

According to a Syrian source with knowledge of the matter, Israel and Syria are expected to sign a peace agreement by the end of 2025. Under the reported agreement, Israel is expected to gradually withdraw from all Syrian territory it seized after invading the buffer zone on December 8, 2024, including the peak of Mount Hermon [1]. This move would represent a significant shift in the regional security landscape, with potential implications for economic stability and investor confidence.

The agreement is also expected to fully normalize relations between Israel and Syria, with the Golan Heights described as "a garden for peace" [1]. However, the prospect of including the Golan Heights in the agreement has sparked controversy and criticism, particularly from Arab states and opposition groups. These groups argue that the Golan Heights is occupied territory and that the agreement could be seen as a form of "coercive peace" that disregards long-standing questions of sovereignty and historical legitimacy [2].

The United States has been actively pushing for a Syrian-Israeli nonaggression pact, with the acting Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, urging the Syrian government to prioritize negotiations with Israel for a nonaggression pact as a foundation for border demarcation [2]. This initiative is backed by Turkey and Qatar and has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Syrian journalist Mazen Nassif, who questioned the legitimacy of the transitional government and the secrecy surrounding the negotiations [2].

Despite the challenges, the potential peace agreement between Israel and Syria could have significant economic implications. The normalization of relations could lead to increased trade and investment opportunities, potentially boosting economic growth and stability in the region. However, the success of the agreement will depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise and address the complex issues surrounding the Golan Heights and other territorial disputes.

In conclusion, the potential peace agreement between Israel and Syria represents a significant development in the region's diplomatic landscape. While the agreement could bring about economic benefits, it also faces numerous challenges and criticisms. As the negotiations continue, investors and financial professionals will be closely watching the developments to assess their potential impact on regional security and economic stability.

References:
[1] https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/artc-scoop-israel-and-syria-will-sign-a-peace-agreement-before-the-end-of-2025
[2] https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by00xnwnexe