Former U.S. adviser says Washington pushes for Israeli-Syrian ceasefire
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Relations between Syria and Israel have sharply deteriorated over the past two weeks, Hazem al-Ghabra, former advisor at the U.S. State Department and political analyst, said on Wednesday, noting that the United States is working to steer both sides back toward a path of dialogue and eventual peace.
“Just weeks ago, talks were edging toward a peace process,” al-Ghabra explained. “Now, the conversation has regressed to crisis management and negotiating a ceasefire.”
Al-Ghabra emphasized that Washington recognizes how the ongoing military unrest in Syria threatens broader U.S. objectives in the region, particularly efforts to revive Syria’s economic potential and support the reestablishment of a functioning state. “The U.S. is actively working with regional partners to return to a roadmap focused on long-term stability,” he said.
The former U.S. diplomat added that current efforts are centered on securing an Israeli ceasefire—though likely tied to specific conditions—and stressed the need for a military-to-military communication channel between Syria and Israel to prevent further escalation.
Speculation had been mounting in regional and international media over the possibility of preliminary Israeli-Syrian understandings, potentially paving the way for Damascus to join the Abraham Accords. However, a wave of violent incidents in southern Syria—including Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, Suwayda, and Daraa—has significantly complicated the landscape.
“Israel is serious about securing its borders and is considering a buffer zone to prevent the presence of any Syrian forces—official or otherwise—it deems a threat,” he indicated.
Al-Ghabra also warned that Damascus must not overlook the fragility of its internal situation. “Strong foreign relations cannot be built on unstable domestic foundations. Any internal collapse could undermine Syria’s recent diplomatic achievements,” he concluded.