The Times of Israel Daily Briefing 714 - Lazar Berman: An Israel-Syria security pact in the Jewish New Year?
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Sep 19, 2025 Lazar Berman, a diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, dives into the intriguing possibility of a security pact between Israel and Syria. He discusses the historical context of Israel-Syria relations, from military negotiations since 1948 to current strategies amid the Syrian civil war. Berman highlights Israel's concerns about the Druze community and its territorial demands, including control over strategic heights. He also examines how a stable or fragmented Syrian state impacts Israeli security interests.
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Diplomacy Timed To The UN Push
- The US pushed Israel and Syria toward a near-term security arrangement, possibly timed around the UN General Assembly.
- That push could enable a Netanyahu–Ahmad al-Sharaa meeting if deconfliction succeeds.
Historical Arc From 1948 To The 1974 Disengagement
- Lazar recounts the 1948–1974 era where demilitarized zones and water disputes made the Israel–Syria border volatile.
- He traces escalation through the Six-Day War, 1973 war, and the 1974 disengagement that shaped five decades of stability.
Quiet Border Despite Hostile Relations
- The Israel–Syria border was historically the country's quietest despite hostility between governments.
- That quiet reflected mutual expectations of a future peace deal and limited troop presence.