Information
Israel has expressed its readiness to pursue further normalization agreements with its Arab neighbours despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has persisted for over 20 months. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Israel aims to broaden the Abraham Accords, originally signed in 2020 with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, to include additional countries such as Syria and Lebanon. Saar emphasized that any expansion of these agreements would have to align with Israel’s essential security interests.
Meanwhile, Israel has remained engaged on multiple fronts beyond Gaza. Since October 2023, clashes have continued with Hezbollah in Lebanon, culminating in an Israeli ground invasion in October 2024 and a subsequent ceasefire aimed at securing a mutual withdrawal from southern Lebanon. In Syria, Israel escalated military operations following the December 2024 ouster of Bashar Assad, with troops advancing into demilitarized areas, including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. Saar underscored that in any future peace deal, Israel would retain control of the Golan Heights, territory captured from Syria in 1967 and later annexed, a move unrecognized by the United Nations.
Source: AP, Reuters
So What
While it is unlikely that this agreement will be reached while Israel is still engaged in the conflict in Gaza, this news is very encouraging for the future. The mere mention of this agreement indicates a significant loss of influence that Iran has experienced in the region. Additionally, Syria is likely to demand that Israel withdraw from some positions in the Golan Heights; however, Israel is unlikely to comply due to the strategic importance of these locations for defending the area.
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