January 25, 2026
An Israeli news report stated that Syria and Israel are close to concluding a security agreement with American mediation, in light of the accelerating pace of events. The report talked about an unprecedented proposal that includes “renting the Golan for 25 years” and “opening an Israeli embassy in Damascus.”
The i24NEWS website quoted a Syrian source as saying that upcoming negotiations sponsored by Washington may pave the way towards a security agreement and broader cooperation between the two countries, with unprecedented hints at possible diplomatic steps.
The report indicated expectations that a meeting would be held soon between Syrian and Israeli officials, with American mediation, perhaps in Paris, to finalize a security agreement between the two countries, according to a source close to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
According to the report, the talks will focus on possible joint strategic and economic projects in the buffer zones between the two parties. The source added: “There is great optimism that an Israeli embassy can be opened in Damascus before the end of this year, given the notable progress in Syria’s accession to the Abraham Accords.”
The source explained that the initial Syrian plan was limited to a security agreement and the opening of an Israeli liaison office in Damascus without a diplomatic status, but “developments are accelerating significantly under pressure from the United States, specifically from US President Donald Trump, and in light of increasing Syrian openness.”
The report stated, “If Damascus is able to reach an integration agreement with the Druze in southern Syria, similar to its agreement with the Kurds in the northeast, and Israel commits to respecting Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, Al-Sharaa will be open to raising the level of the agreement with Israel beyond a security agreement, to include diplomatic relations and the opening of an Israeli embassy in Damascus.”
The source stated that the Sharaa government sees a “viable compromise” to advance the peace process, represented by a 25-year lease for the Golan Heights, similar to the agreement that Jordan previously concluded with Israel regarding the border enclaves, and turning them into a “peace garden” for joint economic projects.
The source close to Al-Sharaa also stated that President Trump is seeking to bring together Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to sign a peace agreement.
It is worth noting that Israel has repeatedly refused to return any part of the Golan Heights. On the other hand, the Syrian government confirmed that the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian territory, demanding its restoration based on Security Council resolutions, in particular Resolution No. 497 of 1981.
President Ahmed Al-Sharaa had repeatedly stressed not to give up any inch of Syrian territory, stressing the unity of Syria and refusing to compromise on the Golan.
