Syria to strike security deals with Israel by end of 2025

Syria is preparing to finalize a series of security and military agreements with Israel before the end of the year, according to a senior official from the Syrian Foreign Ministry who spoke to AFP on Thursday.

Negotiations Moving Forward

The official, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking publicly about the matter, said discussions between the two sides had advanced in recent weeks. “There is progress in the talks with Israel,” the official explained, noting that the negotiations are expected to conclude with formal agreements “by the end of the year.”

Although details of the arrangements were not disclosed, the official confirmed that the focus would be on defense and security-related issues. “Primarily, these would be security and military agreements,” they added.

A Rare Development in Regional Relations

If finalized, such agreements would mark a significant step in relations between the two long-standing adversaries. Syria and Israel have technically remained in a state of war since the mid-20th century, with tensions rooted in decades of conflict over territory, security concerns, and regional influence. While both countries have intermittently engaged in indirect contacts, formalized military cooperation would represent an unprecedented shift in the political landscape of the Middle East.

Historically, Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967, a key source of friction between the two nations. Syria, for its part, has often aligned with Iran and Hezbollah, groups that Israel considers hostile. Against this backdrop, even limited security cooperation could signal a recalibration of priorities as both sides face new regional and international pressures.

Broader Implications

The announcement comes at a time when regional dynamics are shifting, with several Arab states in recent years normalizing relations with Israel under U.S.-brokered initiatives. While Syria was not part of those accords, its potential move toward direct agreements with Israel would carry weight both symbolically and strategically.

For Damascus, closer engagement with Israel could provide avenues to ease isolation and gain leverage in ongoing negotiations with Western powers. For Israel, agreements with Syria could strengthen its security posture along the northern frontier and reduce risks of escalation tied to Hezbollah or Iranian influence in the region.

Analysts caution, however, that such negotiations remain delicate. Any deal would need to balance deeply entrenched mistrust with practical security needs. The timeline—finalizing agreements by year’s end—suggests both governments see an urgent interest in pushing forward despite the challenges.