Alerts

Can Israel Trust Syria’s New Leader?

Al-Sharaa’s recent actions and statements paint a picture of a Syrian leadership seeking to stabilize its country’s borders and explore a new, different relationship with Israel.
Share this
Ahmed al-Sharaa
Ahmed al-Sharaa (Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic)

Table of Contents

Since being appointed Syria’s interim leader following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani) has embarked on a new path in Syria’s foreign relations. Contrary to expectations and predictions, al-Sharaa made declarations that surprised researchers and politicians alike regarding the new regime’s stance toward Israel.

His conciliatory statements toward Israel were met with skepticism and doubt regarding his true intentions. The core argument remains the fact that he is a jihadist who was once a member of ISIS, one of the founders of Jabhat al-Nusra (a breakaway from ISIS), and the founder of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which in recent years controlled the Idlib enclave in northern Syria. This group succeeded on December 8 in toppling the fifty-year regime of the Assad family and the Ba’ath Party.

While Israel continues to question al-Sharaa’s intentions, he has persisted with conciliatory declarations. In December 2024, al-Sharaa stated that his government “will not seek confrontations – not with Israel nor with anyone else – and will not allow Syria to be used as a base for such hostile activities.” He further emphasized: “We do not want to threaten Israel’s security or that of any other country.”

A recurring theme in his statements is his commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement. He confirmed that “Syria is committed to the 1974 agreement,” and called for UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) to return to the “blue line” of separation. Al-Sharaa stated several times that after the fall of the Assad regime, “There is no justification for the Israelis to bomb Syrian facilities or advance into Syria. Israel has no reason to continue harming Syria since my regime opposes Iran and Hezbollah.”

While advocating for dialogue, al-Sharaa urged Israel to cease its ongoing airstrikes within Syria. He declared: “The era of tit-for-tat bombings must end. No nation thrives when its skies are filled with fear,” and claimed that Israel’s actions only prolong instability.

Despite Israel ignoring al-Sharaa’s initiatives, in May 2025 he confirmed that his government is holding “indirect talks” with Israel through mediators. The declared aim of these talks is “to calm and try to stabilize the situation before it spirals out of control for both sides.” Arab and Western reports have described meetings between the two sides in Azerbaijan and the UAE, and more recently even in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria. These included Israeli military officials and, on the Syrian side, Suwayda governor al-Dilati.

Moreover, American reports revealed that during a historic meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, al-Sharaa was asked to join the “Abraham Accords” and normalize relations with Israel. According to reports, he expressed a principled willingness to do so. Al-Sharaa also hinted at potential future security cooperation with Israel. In a groundbreaking statement, he said: “We have common enemies – and we can play a central role in regional security.”

Beyond verbal declarations, al-Sharaa initiated a unique gesture aimed at building trust. In early May 2025, personal items, documents, and photos related to Eli Cohen, the Israeli spy executed in Damascus in 1965, were returned to Israel. Reports indicate that al-Sharaa personally approved the transfer.

In conclusion, while some in Israel insist on calling al-Sharaa “Juliani” (!) instead of “Jolani,” and ignoring his initiatives toward Israel, the United States, Western countries, Arab nations, and Turkey are engaged in an ongoing flurry of diplomatic efforts aimed at rebuilding the shattered Syrian state.

The United States made a bold move by lifting all sanctions imposed on the Assad regime, while the UAE signed contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to rehabilitate the port of Tartus. Recently, the United States also announced it would no longer oppose integrating 3,500 jihadists (Chinese and Chechen) into the Syrian army. It also decided to withdraw its forces from the Conoco oil fields to allow Syria to reclaim control of its natural resources and generate income for its empty treasury.

Al-Sharaa’s actions and statements since December 8, 2024, paint a picture of a Syrian leadership seeking to stabilize its country’s borders and explore a new, different relationship with Israel. These declarations, along with tangible gestures such as the return of Eli Cohen’s archive, point to a strategic shift toward de-escalation and potential future engagement – far from the decades of open hostility.

The current geopolitical reality has created a rare convergence of interests between Israel and Syria: Israel is interested in preventing the infiltration of jihadists toward the Golan Heights – a situation that holds the potential to replicate the October 7, 2023 disaster from this front. Thus, it needs cooperation from the new Syrian regime to prevent such a scenario. Conversely, al-Sharaa is well aware of Israel’s relationship with parts of the Druze community as well as with the Kurds, and the potential such relationships hold to destabilize the Syrian regime.

From all these perspectives – and given American policy aimed at crushing the Iranian axis by building a regional alternative under its leadership – it would be wise for Israel’s decision-makers to consider something different.

Col. (ret.) Dr. Jacques Neriah

Col. (ret.) Dr. Jacques Neriah, a special analyst for the Middle East at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, was formerly Foreign Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Deputy Head for Assessment of Israeli Military Intelligence.
Share this

Subscribe to Daily Alert

The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Related Items

Stay Informed, Always

Get the latest news, insights, and updates directly in your inbox—be the first to know!

Subscribe to Jerusalem Issue Briefs
The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Notifications

The Jerusalem Center
Canada investigating Israeli-Canadian IDF soldiers?
JCFA senior researcher, Amb. Alan Baker slams the probe as a “political PR stunt with no legal basis.” “This isn’t justice—it’s a betrayal. Canada is siding with PLO propaganda over facts.”
11:29am
The Jerusalem Center
What makes a child believe killing a #Jew is justified?

In PA textbooks, Jews are called liars and frauds; their fate: elimination. This is #indoctrination—not #education. But change is happening. On East to West, @IMPACT_SE CEO Marcus Sheff exposes how #UNRWA-funded schools are fueling extremism—and what real reform looks like.  Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2JHqh973U  Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/8OkJTGNfVUc

11:43am
The Jerusalem Center
Highlights from the @Jerusalem_Post Annual Conference in NYC:

Dr. @Dan_Diker, President of the JCFA: “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel — it was a blow to the U.S. on Israeli soil. It demands moral clarity and a united front between Israel and the U.S. to defeat jihadist terror.”

2:20pm
The Jerusalem Center
@XAVIAERD says it like it is

Well, @XAVIAERD says it like it is: If you’re part of “#Queers for #Palestine,” he’ll pay for your flight to #Gaza. Go see for yourself how they treat LGBTQ+ people over there. Don’t miss this bold take on the Israel-Hamas war and the woke right.

2:32pm
The Jerusalem Center
“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.”

“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.” On Our Middle East by @JNS_org, @Dan_Diker@KhaledAbuToameh (JCFA/@GatestoneInst) break it down: If Hamas isn’t crushed, Iran wins. The jihadis—from #Gaza to your campus—get the green light. Diker: “This war is for the West.” No fluff. No filters. Just raw insight from two insiders who actually know what’s going on.  Watch: youtu.be/4Aq_zcbb4Yo

2:15pm
The Jerusalem Center
5/5 Lt. Col. Kalo on East to West with @smartinezamir:

“This operation showcases Israel’s strategic intelligence superiority both regionally and globally. It demonstrates the moral commitment to recovered soldiers and also strengthens Israel’s position with allies.” youtube.com/watch?v=nIvNNi

2:07pm
The Jerusalem Center
4/5 The operation built on intelligence gathered during the 2019 #Baumel recovery

#Mossad agents operated under cover in #Syria for years, visiting a graveyard multiple times under fire to collect remains for DNA matching. The intelligence community’s evolution combines technology, big data analysis, and human intelligence capabilities.

2:02pm
The Jerusalem Center
3/5 This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from #Hamas in #Gaza, significantly boosting national morale amid an ongoing conflict now stretching over 18 months. The dual successes demonstrate #Israel‘s unwavering commitment to bringing all soldiers home.

1:58pm
The Jerusalem Center
2/5 The operation used the power vacuum following #Assad’s fall from #Damascus

Lt. Col. Avi Kalo, former head of IDF Prisoners & Missing Persons Division, calls it “an outstanding event that brings hope and new spirit to the people of Israel.” The operation utilized the power vacuum following #Assad‘s fall from #Damascus, allowing #Israeli intelligence to deploy ground capabilities in #Syria.

1:56pm
The Jerusalem Center
1/5 Israeli forces recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi Feldman

In an unprecedented operation, Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi #Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. The complex #Mossad mission was conducted deep within #Syrian territory, 43 years after his disappearance. This follows the successful 2019 recovery of Zachary #Baumel from the same battle.

1:54pm
The Jerusalem Center
A molotov attack on a bus = a “barbecue party”?

That’s what #Palestinian kids are being taught under @UNRWA  — from grade school to graduation. This isn’t education. It’s indoctrination. Marcus Sheff of @IMPACT_SE  breaks it down with @smartinezamir

12:51pm

Close