Israel strike in Syria may push US to broker deal between Jerusalem and Damascus - analysis

In an unexpected move, Israel launched airstrikes in northern Syria, prompting the United States to potentially facilitate a resolution between the two nations. Israel often resorts to military power to send messages and secure concessions, leading to ceasefires and hostage deals in Gaza and Lebanon. With tensions escalating between Israel and Turkey, both US allies, this strike may open the door to a mutually beneficial outcome.

Much hinges on Israel's willingness to back down from its inflammatory rhetoric, as well as the US's ability to broker a deal. This isn't the first instance where the US played a role in bringing Syria and Israel to the negotiating table, such as the January trilateral meeting.

Syrian state media has portrayed the engagement between Syria and Israel as moving in the right direction. Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani stressed that Syria's priority is to halt Israeli attacks and establish confidence-building measures. He expressed hope for a security agreement that would lead to an Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory, calling it a "historic opportunity" if diplomacy remains open to achieve political progress.

However, Syria currently lacks trust in Israel and does not engage in dialogue due to persistent threats to its security. The Syrian diplomat emphasized that Israel has relied on hard power to secure its security, with no success thus far. He cautiously expressed optimism, stating that the door for negotiations is open, but acknowledged that betting on Israel is "very difficult."

Syria is open to discussing understandings, peace, and diplomacy, and wants the region to be stable. They are willing to consider Israel's security concerns but also demand respect for their own security and sovereignty. Syrian and Israeli sides reportedly agreed on most points in the proposed security agreement, including an end to Israeli attacks and non-interference in Syria's internal affairs.

Syria's focus now is to stop the attacks before addressing the security agreement and subsequent issues like peace and the Golan Heights.