Context:

After decades of hostility, Israeli-Syrian relations are beginning to improve as both countries engage in indirect talks mediated by the United States. These discussions are the most serious in over a decade, motivated by shared security concerns about Iran and its proxy groups, which pose a threat to both nations. Syria's President Ahmed al-Shara, who led the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, is showing a pragmatic approach towards Israel, different from his predecessors. Although there is no immediate plan for Syria to join the Abraham Accords, the talks are focused on reducing hostilities and possibly restoring the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Despite military tensions and skepticism from Israel regarding al-Shara's past ties with jihadist groups, recent developments indicate a cautious optimism for future cooperation between the two nations.

Dive Deeper:

• Israeli-Syrian relations, long strained by decades of hostility, are witnessing a thaw as the two countries engage in indirect talks facilitated by the United States to resolve border issues. These talks, the most serious in over a decade, reflect a shift in Middle Eastern power dynamics, where both nations find common ground in their opposition to Iran.

• Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Shara is taking a pragmatic approach to relations with Israel, contrasting the previous government's hostile stance. The discussions are primarily focused on shared security concerns, particularly regarding Iran-backed proxy groups that threaten both countries.

• The United States is playing a crucial role in these negotiations, with efforts to broker a nonaggression pact between Israel and Syria. While there is a public call for Syria to join the Abraham Accords, Syrian officials are currently more interested in addressing security issues and de-escalating tensions with Israel.

• The restoration of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which established a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights, is a key focus of current talks. This agreement, while short of a peace treaty, could help restore stability and lay the groundwork for easing tensions between Israel and Syria.

• Despite ongoing military actions by Israel in southern Syria and historical skepticism towards President al-Shara's past affiliations, there are signs of progress in the negotiations. The Trump administration's recent lifting of the terrorist designation for al-Shara's former rebel group is seen as a goodwill gesture to facilitate further dialogue.

• The Syrian government's cautious approach to normalizing relations with Israel stems from a need for public support and a strategic interest in keeping Israeli forces at bay. While there are security-level understandings taking shape, significant political gestures remain absent, highlighting the tentative nature of the current rapprochement.