Syria in tight spot as it negotiates "peace" with Israel

Israel has exploited various vulnerabilities within Syrian society, weaponising identity politics and minority issues to its advantage, thereby frustrating the government's already precarious position. 

Legitimate viewpoints

According to President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, what is currently being proposed is a revised version of the 1974 agreement. Some object to signing a deal with Israel on the grounds that the current regime lacks the legitimacy to negotiate or sign agreements with the enemy. Perhaps they have a point. 

Yet, the central question remains: can Syria even begin to build institutions or hold elections while Israeli influence, military or political, continues unabated? I prodded critics of a deal, but did not receive any satisfactory answer.

Others do not oppose negotiations outright but take issue with the manner in which they are being conducted. Some argue that security agreements should be managed by military and security officials, not by the country's top diplomat. Others believe that experienced figures in military, political, and legal affairs ought to have been consulted. They are right. The government continues to operate in isolation on many sensitive matters.

Grim circumstances

But the truth remains. Syria's circumstances are unlike those of any other nation. The infrastructure is in ruins, and nearly half the population remains displaced, either internally or as refugees abroad. Internal divisions show no meaningful signs of healing. The Caesar Act, suspended but not revoked, continues to be wielded by Israel and its allies as a tool of pressure, strangling the Syrian people. Without its full repeal, there can be no genuine progress in reconstruction or living conditions.

Foreign meddling extends beyond Israel. Iran continues to destabilise Syria's fragile landscape in pursuit of a foothold for itself and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the Islamic State (IS) threat persists.

Does this mean Syrians must surrender? Of course not. But extreme realism is imperative. Let us not forget that Netanyahu, who continues to kill hundreds of Palestinians daily in Gaza, while also attacking Lebanon and Yemen, and even targeting a mediator and bombing Doha, has yet to face even the mildest condemnation for his crimes, thanks to unwavering US support. Despite minor disagreements over details, the US–Israel alliance remains unshaken.

Syria urgently needs a security agreement to curtail Israel's unchecked aggression. Yet it must not rush into signing a deal that affords Israel political influence over Syria or allows it to act as an informal guardian of southern Syria's future. Negotiators must tread carefully.