The Trump administration is formulating a new regional strategy aimed at curbing Iran, expanding the Abraham Accords, and advancing diplomatic arrangements in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, according to a report by Axios cited by The Zioneer. A security agreement between Israel and Syria is under consideration, though talks have not matured, with IDF presence in southern Syria and the buffer zone as the central point of contention. Israeli sources told Axios that contacts with Damascus continue through multiple channels, but Jerusalem is not prepared at this stage for an arrangement requiring withdrawal from the buffer zone.
The Trump administration is formulating a new regional strategy to curb Iran, expand the Abraham Accords, and advance diplomatic arrangements in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, according to a report by Axios cited by The Zioneer.
A central component under consideration is a security agreement between Israel and Syria. However, Israeli sources told Axios that while contacts with Damascus continue through multiple channels, Jerusalem is not prepared at this stage for an arrangement that would require the withdrawal of IDF forces from the buffer zone established in southern Syria. The presence of Israeli troops in the area and the buffer zone itself remain the primary point of contention between the two sides.
The Zioneer has previously reported on related diplomatic tracks. On June 18, it reported that the Trump administration was pressing Israel and Syria to resume security talks, with Damascus demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from southern areas and a return to the 1974 border lines. In June, The Zioneer also reported Israeli objections to a Trump demand to halt fighting in Lebanon as part of a broader Iran deal. More recently, on August 24, The Zioneer reported that Mossad Director Roman Gofman met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Amman to discuss security red lines, where Israel presented conditions including the prevention of Turkish military entrenchment in Syrian territory.
The Turkish dimension remains a complicating factor. The report notes that the US must also contend with Turkish military presence in Syria, which Israel views as a potential threat. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has stated that the establishment of Turkish bases in Syria is a 'red line,' but emphasized that Israel prefers diplomatic solutions. The talks between Jerusalem and Damascus have not yet matured into a formal agreement, and it remains unclear whether the US strategy will succeed in bridging the gaps between the Israeli and Syrian positions.
- StrongTrump administration drafts post-war Middle East plan: regional alliance against Iran, expanded normalization — report
- StrongReport: Trump administration presses Israel and Syria to resume security talks
- DevelopingReport: Security cabinet fears Trump will tie Israel's hands on all fronts amid growing rift
- DevelopingReports: Trump administration divided over Iran deal and Lebanon policy
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