Is Israel Open to Official Relations with Syria and Lebanon?
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Synopsis
Israel's Foreign Minister expresses a willingness to establish diplomatic ties with Syria and Lebanon, but firmly rejects any withdrawal from the Golan Heights. This development comes as Israel seeks to expand peace initiatives while navigating complex regional dynamics. Will these talks lead to a breakthrough in longstanding hostilities?
Key Takeaways
- Israel is exploring diplomatic ties with Syria and Lebanon.
- Golan Heights will remain part of Israel in any peace agreement.
- Israel aims to expand the Abraham Accords.
- Hezbollah maintains compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
- Ongoing hostilities and military actions continue to shape the region.
Jerusalem, June 30 (NationPress) Israel expresses a keen interest in forging diplomatic relations with Syria and Lebanon; however, it firmly maintains that it will not relinquish control over the occupied Golan Heights as part of any future agreements, stated Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Monday.
Currently, Israel lacks official diplomatic ties with both Syria and Lebanon and has experienced ongoing hostilities with these nations since 1948, the year Israel was established.
"Israel is focused on broadening the Abraham Accords and enhancing the circle of peace and normalization," Sa'ar remarked during a joint press conference in Jerusalem alongside Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.
"We seek to include neighboring countries like Syria and Lebanon in the peace and normalization initiatives while prioritizing Israel's fundamental security interests," he elaborated.
"In any peace arrangement, the Golan will remain an integral part of the State of Israel," he emphasized, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Israel acquired the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Middle East War and subsequently annexed it, a decision that remains unrecognized by a majority of the international community.
After the decline of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, Israeli forces entered the UN-monitored demilitarized buffer zone in early December 2024, later deploying troops on Mount Hermon, which overlooks both Israeli and Syrian territories. Israeli officials have indicated that these forces are expected to remain in place for an extended duration.
A ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States and France has been active between Hezbollah and Israel since November 27, 2024, aimed at concluding over a year of cross-border conflicts instigated by the war in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to execute sporadic strikes in Lebanon, claiming the necessity to neutralize threats from Hezbollah.
In a recent address, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem asserted that the group has fully complied with the ceasefire terms, while accusing Israel of breaching its obligations. "Israel's persistent violations in southern Lebanon are intolerable and will not go unanswered," he stated.
He also reaffirmed Hezbollah's readiness to confront any future Israeli actions, asserting that the group would not be swayed by threats or external pressures.
Point of View
It is crucial to note that Israel's approach to establishing ties with Syria and Lebanon reflects a strategic interest in regional stability while upholding its security priorities. The ongoing complexities of the Golan Heights issue remain a significant barrier to progress, necessitating careful navigation of diplomatic channels.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gideon Sa'ar say about the Golan Heights?
Gideon Sa'ar stated that Israel will not withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights as part of any future agreement.
When did Israel capture the Golan Heights?
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Middle East War.
What is the status of ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel?
A ceasefire agreement has been in place between Hezbollah and Israel since November 27, 2024, brokered by the United States and France.
Is Israel interested in expanding the Abraham Accords?
Yes, Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords and including neighboring countries like Syria and Lebanon in peace initiatives.
What actions is the Israeli army taking in Lebanon?
The Israeli army continues to carry out occasional strikes in Lebanon, citing the need to neutralize threats from Hezbollah.
