In a controversial development, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, reportedly under the supervision of US President Donald Trump. The meeting, aimed at paving the way for a security agreement and potential normalization between Syria and Israel, comes amid Israel’s relentless military aggression in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon — sparking outrage across the Arab world.
Syria and Israel have remained technically at war since 1948. The two nations have clashed repeatedly, especially over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Israel’s interventions in Lebanon. Despite recent geopolitical shifts in the region, Syria has historically positioned itself as part of the “axis of resistance” against Israeli and Western influence.
According to Syrian sources close to President al–Sharaa, the high-level meeting may take place at the White House ahead of the September UN General Assembly. UAE is reportedly mediating the process with Saudi backing. Discussions are said to revolve around a security pact, possibly resulting in diplomatic normalization — a move seen by many as a betrayal of Syria’s longstanding stance.
This maneuver signals a dangerous shift in regional alliances. If successful, it could bolster US and Israeli influence in the Levant while weakening Iran’s strategic depth via Syria. It also risks fracturing Arab public opinion and further isolating resistance groups across the region. Israel’s insistence on controlling southern Syria, including the Golan Heights, underscores the imbalance in this potential deal.
The timing of this initiative raises serious ethical concerns. While Gaza faces starvation, Lebanon reels from Israeli airstrikes, and Yemen endures a catastrophic blockade, Syria’s leadership appears more focused on appeasing its former enemy than addressing regional suffering or pursuing justice for ongoing war crimes.
The Arab street is reacting with fury. Activists and pro–Palestine voices have condemned the move as “shameful,” while no official statement has been issued by the Syrian government yet. Resistance factions in Lebanon and Palestine have expressed betrayal. Meanwhile, Israeli and American officials are cautiously optimistic.
While nothing is finalized, the planned meeting suggests a seismic shift in Syrian foreign policy — one that could realign Damascus closer to Tel Aviv and Washington. However, with unresolved issues like the Golan Heights and growing regional resentment, the path to normalization may trigger more backlash than stability. The world now watches whether Syria will abandon its principles for power.
