Israel and Syria are moving closer to a potential de-escalation agreement that could ease years of conflict, according to U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack. Speaking during the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Barrack revealed that the proposed deal would halt Israeli attacks in exchange for Syria agreeing not to move heavy machinery or equipment near the Israeli border. This arrangement is seen as the first step toward a broader security deal currently under negotiation.
The talks, encouraged by U.S. President Donald Trump, aim to create a framework for stability in the region. However, Barrack noted that progress has been slower than anticipated due to the Jewish New Year holiday, Rosh Hashanah, and unresolved sticking points between the two sides. “I think everybody is approaching it in good faith,” Barrack said, stressing cautious optimism about the outcome.
Syria, under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad last December, has been pressing for an end to Israeli airstrikes and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern territories. Israel, however, remains wary of Damascus’ Islamist-led government and its leader’s former jihadist ties. The Israeli government has repeatedly voiced concerns about security risks and has urged Washington to keep Syria decentralized and militarily weakened.
Tensions escalated sharply after Israel abandoned the 1974 truce on December 8, the same day Assad was ousted by rebel forces. Since then, Israel has conducted more than 1,000 airstrikes and over 400 ground incursions into Syrian territory, according to Sharaa. The Syrian leader expressed skepticism during remarks in New York, suggesting that Israel might be deliberately slowing down the negotiation process. “We are scared of Israel. We are worried about Israel. It’s not the other way around,” Sharaa warned.
The possible agreement marks a rare diplomatic opening between two historical adversaries. Yet, deep mistrust, territorial disputes, and competing political agendas mean that even if signed, the road to lasting peace will remain uncertain.