Amid Iran’s Weakness, Israel Explores New Arab Alliances

With Iran perceived as weakened after this month’s 12-day war, Israel is actively seeking to forge new alliances with Arab nations, specifically expressing interest in normalizing ties with Syria and Lebanon. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar highlighted this strategic opening on Monday, asserting that regional dynamics have shifted significantly following recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the overthrow of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, a key Iranian ally.
Saar emphasized that while Israel desires to expand its “circle of peace,” the sovereignty over the Golan Heights, annexed in 1981 after being captured from Syria in 1967, is not up for negotiation. This firm stance immediately clashes with Syria’s unwavering demand for the return of the territory, which remains widely considered occupied land by the international community, despite President Donald Trump’s recognition of Israeli control.
The current diplomatic outreach builds on the precedent set by the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. These agreements marked a significant shift in regional diplomacy, though they faced considerable unpopularity among Arab populations, underscoring the delicate nature of such endeavors.
However, a senior Syrian official made it clear that normalization efforts must be integrated into the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. This comprehensive framework demands Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territories, including the Golan Heights, West Bank, and Gaza, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Israel, through Saar, has dismissed the Palestinian statehood precondition as “not constructive,” citing security threats, thus setting up a major impediment to any breakthrough.