Israel wants Syria and Lebanon to join Abraham Accords

Israel has declared its intention to expand the Abraham Accords by establishing diplomatic ties with neighbouring Lebanon and Syria, Atalayar via Reuters reported on June 30th.

The agreements, sponsored by the United States in 2020, normalised relations between Israel and other Arab nations, aiming to foster regional stability and cooperation.

Speaking at a press conference, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar commented on the proposal. He said: “We are interested in adding countries such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests.”

However, a major obstacle remains over the status of the Golan Heights, a strategic spot captured by Israel from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981 — a move not internationally recognised. Saar made Israel’s position clear: “In any peace agreement, the Golan Heights will remain part of the State of Israel.”

The Abraham Accords, initiated during Donald Trump’s first term, saw Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Morocco normalise ties with Israel, leading to agreements in trade, defence, technology and regional security. The accords also aim to stop destabilising influences such as he country of Iran, which exerts power through proxy groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

The inclusion of Syria and Lebanon would mark a significant shift. Syria remains in conflict, now ruled by a provisional government led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Lebanon, meanwhile, faces ongoing hostilities with Israel amid the Gaza conflict, as well as a severe political and economic crisis.

Bringing Syria and Lebanon into the Abraham Accords could offer both nations a route towards stability and greater regional integration. The move would also strengthen the accords’ role in promoting peace in the Middle East.

Atalayar via Reuters