In a surprising diplomatic push, Israel is exploring whether yesterday’s foes can become tomorrow’s friends, or at least peaceful neighbors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Sunday that active peace talks are underway with Syria and that a path to peace with Lebanon has opened, all in the wake of the war with Hezbollah.
The most dramatic potential transformation is with Syria. After 77 years as sworn enemies, the two countries are in direct negotiations following the fall of the Assad regime. A Syrian official has expressed a desire to finalize security and military agreements by the end of 2025, a move that would fundamentally alter the region.
In Lebanon, the foe is Hezbollah, but the potential friend is the Lebanese state. Israel’s strategy is to continue military pressure on the former, while supporting diplomatic efforts to strengthen the latter. This has resulted in the Lebanese government taking its first steps to disarm the powerful militia.
Netanyahu framed this push as a direct outcome of military success. “Our victories… have opened a window for a possibility that was not even imagined before,” he told his cabinet. He confirmed “some progress” in turning Syria from a foe toward a potential partner in regional stability.
This diplomatic initiative is not just wishful thinking. Syria’s new government is negotiating a deal that involves an Israeli withdrawal in exchange for a demilitarized zone. The Lebanese government has set a three-month timeline to begin disarming Hezbollah in the south. These are the first steps on a long road from foe to friend.