Can the US Help Broker New Israeli Ties to Lebanon, Syria?

• US aims to improve Israeli ties to Lebanon and Syria after recent conflict.
• Billboards advertising peace with Arab leaders feature Trump in the center.
• Netanyahu claims the recent victory over Iran enables new peace accords.
• Israel’s military presence in Syria complicates peace negotiations.
• Lebanon faces major internal opposition to peace deals with Israel.

US Pushes for Roman Relations Amidst Regional Conflicts

US Role in Mideast Diplomacy Post-War The recent conflict, often described as a 12-day war between Iran, Israel, and the United States, has created a rather unexpected shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has boldly claimed that the victory over Iran now clears the way for what he refers to as an enlarged peace process. Billboards have begun to showcase Arab leaders, including Lebanon’s and Syria’s presidents, with US President Donald Trump prominently featured, surrounded by the eye-catching tagline “The ‘Abraham Alliance: It’s Time for a New Middle East.” This emphasis on moving forward from conflict is stirring some cautious optimism, but as analysts point out, establishing peace with Syria and Lebanon will require a different touch compared to previous agreements.

Syria’s Path to a Possible Peace Deal

The Complexity of Syrian Peace Negotiations Israel and Syria have maintained an official state of war since 1967, particularly after the occupation of the Golan Heights. As recent developments unfold—the overthrow of Bashar Assad in December 2024—Israel has broadened its military footprint across the armistice lines established back in 1974. The US, led by Trump, is advocating for a security agreement with Syria, despite ongoing tensions. Syrian state media has been rather vocal stating no discussions can occur while Israeli occupation persists. Meanwhile, Tom Barrack, the US special envoy to Syria, suggested that President Ahmed al-Sharaa does not harbor hostility toward Israel and is, in fact, seeking peace. Nonetheless, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar maintained that any future peace agreements must ensure Israeli control over the Golan Heights remains unchallenged. The dilemma of achieving a peace accord appears multifaceted yet feasible, at least in principle.

Lebanon’s Ongoing Challenges with Israel

Lebanon: A Different Story with No Real Prospects As the situation develops, hopes of forging peace with Lebanon seem exceedingly grim. Neil Quilliam of Chatham House asserts that Lebanon’s President Aoun doesn’t possess the political capacity to push through a meaningful peace deal amidst overwhelming domestic opposition. The recent history is alarming, following the Hamas attacks on Israel that led Hezbollah to respond aggressively. This culminated in what is being called a devastating eight-week war, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage to southern Lebanon and Beirut’s outskirts. Israeli military actions continue unabated, further complicating conditions for peace. Both experts agree: without Hezbollah disarming and a positive political structure in place, peace negotiations with Lebanon seem highly unlikely, if not impossible, at this juncture.

In summary, although the possibility of renewed Israeli diplomatic ties with Syria is being discussed amidst the changing dynamics in the region, significant hurdles persist. The situation with Lebanon remains even less favorable, highlighted by unresolved tensions and Hezbollah’s entrenched position. As the US continues to push for what it frames as peace agreements, skepticism remains from analysts regarding the ability of these initiatives to effect real change on the ground. The road to peace in the Middle East appears as contentious as ever, fraught with historical animosities and complex geopolitical dynamics.