Syria pursues diplomacy with Israel despite repeated attacks
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Syria's new government has chosen diplomatic engagement with Israel over military confrontation since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Israeli forces continue to attack Syrian military infrastructure and maintain checkpoints in southern Syria. Damascus seeks regional and international support to stabilize the country even as Israeli strikes persist.
Key Facts
- Syria's military has not engaged Israel since the 1974 disengagement agreement signed under Hafez al-Assad.
- Israeli troops moved beyond the occupied Golan Heights into southern Syria after rebels took Damascus in December 2024.
- Israel bombed the Syrian Ministry of Defence in Damascus in July 2025.
- Syria's new government has gained the trust of Donald Trump's administration and maintains close ties with Turkiye and Gulf states.
Diplomatic Shift
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, Syria has chosen diplomatic engagement with Israel over military confrontation. Syrian officials, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa, have stated they have no intent to attack Israel and seek peace with all neighbours. Rob Geist Pinfold, a lecturer on security studies at King's College London, described the government as intensely pragmatic, willing to negotiate deals that promote Syria's national interest. The government faces a tightrope between public fatigue with war and the need to respond to Israeli provocations.
Israeli Military Actions
After rebels took Damascus in December 2024, Israel attacked Syria's military infrastructure across the country. Israeli troops moved beyond the occupied Golan Heights into parts of southern Syria and continue to set up checkpoints, harassing and arresting Syrian citizens. Israel has threatened the Syrian government on numerous occasions, warning against deploying military troops in southern Syria. In July 2025, Israel bombed the Syrian Ministry of Defence in Damascus.
Regional and International Support
Damascus has responded to Israeli aggressions by seeking regional and international help. Syria's new government has gained the trust of Donald Trump's administration in the US. Syria maintains close ties with Turkiye and numerous Gulf states. Continued Israeli aggressions have not deterred Syria's diplomatic efforts.
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Syria pursues diplomacy with Israel despite repeated attacks
