Syria's Pragmatic Approach to Diplomacy with Israel: Can It Sustain Peace?

Syria, having emerged from over a decade of conflict, has adopted a pragmatic approach to diplomacy with Israel, prioritizing peace over military confrontation. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Bashar al-Assad regime's fall, officials have committed to a policy of non-aggression towards their neighbors, despite continued provocations from Israel.

Since the rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa deposed the Assad government in December 2024, Israel has responded with military aggression, including strikes on Syria's military infrastructure and the occupation of southern Syria beyond the Golan Heights. Despite these actions, Syria has remained steadfast in its pursuit of peace, maintaining that it has no intent to attack Israel.

Analysts suggest that Syria's diplomatic efforts are driven by a desire for stability and reconstruction. "Syria’s government is intensely pragmatic," Rob Geist Pinfold, a lecturer on security studies at King's College London, told Al Jazeera. "It’s willing to basically sit down and talk to and do deals with people as long as it promotes Syria’s national interest."

Under the al-Assad presidency, Syria was a part of the Iran-driven "axis of resistance," using its territory to transport weapons and financial aid to allies in Lebanon. However, since the 1974 disengagement agreement, the Syrian military has not engaged in military conflict with Israel. The rebels' rise to power in 2024 has not altered this stance.

Syria's Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, has made it clear that while the government seeks peace, it does not yet view Israel as a trustworthy political partner. "We do not trust Israel currently," al-Shaibani told Reuters. Despite this, Syria has filed multiple complaints with the United Nations regarding Israeli aggressions and violations.

The Syrian government has also sought regional and international support, gaining the trust of the Trump administration in the US and establishing close ties with Turkey and numerous Gulf states. These alliances have bolstered Syria's diplomatic efforts, despite continued Israeli provocations.

Syria's pragmatic approach is rooted in the country's need to rebuild its army, state, and economy after years of war. "Damascus does not want to open a military front with Israel while it is rebuilding its army, state, and economy," said Souhayb Jawhar, a Lebanese analyst with Badil, a Beirut-based think tank.

The Syrian government's three immediate demands of Israel include stopping strikes on Syrian territory, ending incursions into Syrian territory, and withdrawing troops from areas seized after the fall of al-Assad. However, these demands have yet to be met, and tensions remain high.

In recent months, Syria has engaged in US-mediated talks with Israel, aiming to establish practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, arrests, and targeting operations. These talks come on the heels of an Israeli attack on a Syrian airbase near Idlib, which analysts believe was a message to Syria about efforts to rebuild their air force and to Turkey.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Syria remains committed to peace and diplomacy. "Syrians are tired of war, they’re tired of conflict, they want stability, they want to be able to grow, they want to practice nation-building," Geist Pinfold said.

While Syria's diplomatic approach to Israel may seem optimistic, the country's leaders recognize the need for cautious optimism. The path to lasting peace is fraught with challenges, but for now, Syria appears to believe that diplomacy is the least costly option in its pursuit of stability and reconstruction.