Israel-Syria Relations

Syria's Historic Opportunity

Syria seeks US mediation in peace negotiations

After meeting with Syrian officials in Damascus, a European official relayed a message that Syria is ready to renew negotiations through a secret channel, leading to public negotiations with the United States as a mediator. According to the official, Syria wants to renew talks under the precondition that Israel will return the Golan Heights and retreat to the 1967 borders, and in return Syria will fully normalize relations with Israel. This falls short of former Israeli demands that Syria sever its ties to Iran.

Shimon Shiffer in Yedioth Ahronoth reports:

A Strategic Alliance Central to Regional Stability

When Turkey barred Israel from a joint military exercise earlier this October, there was a great deal of speculation about the seriousness of a rift between the two allies. Although the strategic relations between the two regional superpowers is critical to both nations it also transcends the bilateral benefits that Turkey and Israel individually derive from it, as their alliance is fundamental to the region's balance of power and political stability.

Netanyahu signals willingness to negotiate with Syria

Following his visit to the U.S. this week, Prime Minister Netanyahu made a stop in France to meet with President Nicolas Sarkozy. Reports have circulated that in Sarkozy's meeting today with Syrian President Bashar Assad, he will deliver a message from Netanyahu signaling his willingness to withdraw from the Golan Heights.

Syrian and Israeli leaders voice support for resuming peace talks

Syrian President Bashar Assad and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak both voiced support for resuming peace talks in an exchange of statements yesterday. Assad, during a visit to Zagreb, announced that he was in favor of renewing talks with Israel and asked for support from the European Union, citing the need for a third party's involvement. Several Israeli officials responded by voicing support for continuing dialogue with Syria.

Yossi Yehoshua reports in Yedioth Ahronoth:

What's Behind the Israel-Turkey Rift?

On December 22, 2008, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert travelled to Turkey to meet with Prime Minister Tayyep Erdogan to discuss efforts to launch direct Israel-Syria peace talks. Days earlier, Olmert had expressed optimism that talks could resume with Turkey’s mediation, and there were reports that Syria had produced a document outlining its terms for direct negotiations.

Israel and Russian foreign policy

INSS Insight No. 132, September 22, 2009

The international community has of late demonstrated active political engagement in everything concerning the Middle East. There is heightened anticipation of strategic developments, whether political or military. The backdrop is the conduct of the American administration and its attempt at dialogue with the Muslim world, including an attempt at direct talks with Iran, and renewed efforts to jumpstart the political process between Israel and its neighbors. At the same time, the constant deterioration of the Iranian nuclear issue and the ongoing, comprehensive confrontation with radical Islam continue.

Assad Asked for Border Coordinates with Israel; Analysis of the Position of IDF Chief of Staff on Syrian-Israeli Talks

In the indirect negotiations last year between Israel and Syria, mediated by Turkey, Syrian President Bashar Assad asked the Israelis for tangible answers in relation to six topographical coordinates. Essentially, this means that Assad asked the Israelis to draw the border. As Ofer Shelah in Ma'ariv reports:

An Israeli View: Three corridors

When it comes to Arab-Israel matters, the Obama administration seems to be shooting too high. Much like the initial insistence on a "complete and absolute" settlement freeze, so the targeting of a permanent status agreement in one fell swoop turns the best into the enemy of the good.