Syria-'Israel' talks hint at limited security deal, not peace: Sources

Senior ‘Israeli’ cabinet officials believe that normalization between ‘Israel’ and Saudi Arabia is currently unlikely.

According to a report by Ynet on Monday, while Saudi normalization is off the table, talks with Syria are quietly progressing, not toward a peace deal, but rather a limited security arrangement.

The report noted that Saudi Arabia remains uninterested in joining the Abraham Accords or offering support for a Palestinian state as long as the war in Gaza continues. Moreover, 'Israel’s' standing in the eyes of Riyadh has diminished significantly, and the 'Israelis' no longer see Saudis as essential to advancing their interests.

Despite this, in a Fox News interview, US President Donald Trump claimed that “additional countries have recently applied” to join the Abraham Accords, stating:

“We have great countries in the Abraham Accords, and I think we’ll start adding more.”
When asked whether Syria could join, Trump replied:

“I don’t know. I lifted the sanctions on them—that’s significant.”

At a joint press conference with Austrian Foreign Minister Beata Meinl-Reisinger, 'Israeli' Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also addressed expanding the Accords. He stated that “Israel is interested in expanding the circle” and mentioned Syria and Lebanon as neighbors with whom Israel has long-term security interests. He added:

“Israel applied its laws to the Golan Heights over 40 years ago, and in any peace agreement, the Golan will remain an inseparable part of the State of Israel.”

Syria: Not a peace agreement, maybe a security arrangement

Unlike Saudi Arabia, Syria is emerging as a potential candidate for a limited arrangement with 'Israel'. Sources say this would not be a peace agreement or diplomatic normalization but rather a quiet security deal.

According to the sources, there’s an alignment of interests between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is seeking foreign investment and sanction relief, and 'Israel', which wants stability on its northern front.

“Anyone imagining they’ll be eating hummus in Damascus anytime soon is dreaming,” one source said.
The proposed deal may include mutual security guarantees, anti-terror cooperation, and measures to prevent Iranian entrenchment in Syria, particularly near the Golan Heights.

No sovereignty changes in the Golan would be on the table. The talks appear to be grounded in the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which has mostly held since the Yom Kippur War and may be updated to reflect today’s challenges.

Potential new members of Abraham Accords

When asked about new candidates for normalization, 'Israeli' officials listed Indonesia as a top prospect, but only if the Gaza war ends. In Africa, developments may emerge with Niger, Mali, or Djibouti. Azerbaijan is also deepening its already strong strategic ties with 'Israel'.