Diplomacy and Conflict: Israel's Complex Stance on Syria

In a striking revelation of Israel's dual approach towards Syria, the nation has recently engaged in covert discussions aimed at establishing a diplomatic resolution to long-standing tensions rooted in territorial disputes from the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Despite this dialogue, recent airstrikes on Syrian governmental targets, including the defense ministry in Damascus, illustrate the precarious balance between military readiness and diplomatic overtures.

Throughout these engagements, Israeli media reported optimistic outcomes, hinting at the possibility of a non-aggression pact or even a significant peace agreement with the Assad regime, which regained control of Damascus last December. However, military actions, perceived as preemptive moves against perceived threats, undermine these diplomatic efforts. Experts like Itamar Rabinovich, a historian with a background in negotiations with Syria, noted the dissonance between military aggression and the aspirations for dialogue.

Israel's military doctrine has evolved since the traumatic Hamas attack in October 2023, characterized by a heightened sense of threat which fuels a reliance on military force over diplomacy. The catalyst for the recent airstrike operation was the Syrian government's military deployment to the southwest, aiming to quell conflicts between Bedouin tribes and the Druse community. While much of Syria's military strength was diminished from past conflicts, the government nonetheless managed to mobilize outdated military equipment.

As regional tensions mount and diplomatic talks persist, the ongoing military engagements emphasize the challenges of peacemaking in a complicated geopolitical environment, urging both nations to reassess their strategies in quest of stability.