TEHRAN – Abu Mohamed al-Jollani, leader of Heiat Taharil al-Sham (HTS) and new president of Syria, issued a statement on his willingness to normalize relations with Israel.
The implications of this development raise difficult questions about the future of power, sovereignty and Syrian politics that contradict the ongoing conflict in the region and the role of foreign powers in Syria.
Since Bashar al-Assad’s government collapsed in December 2024, Israel has stepped up its military action in Syria. In just a few months, Israeli forces carried out hundreds of airstrikes and ground operations targeting Syrian military facilities. These attacks have seriously weakened Syrian troops, and Israeli forces have taken control of a wider region, including a larger portion of Golan Heights, which violates the 1974 liberation agreement.
In addition to this occupation, Israel has been working to build infrastructure to set up military bases, minefields and secure footholds in the area.
Jorani’s strategy amidst Syrian military collapse
Yolani’s ready to normalize the tie without demanding Israel’s withdrawal from Israeli lands raises doubts traditional Syrian and Arab views on sovereignty and territorial integrity. While Yolani appears ready to provide international legitimacy and economic support, he supports his top priorities over the recovery of the occupying territories, Israeli military attacks have seriously hurt Syrian defense systems.
This position may alienate many Syrians and the larger Arab population, who view Israel’s occupation as a fundamental national concern.
Jorani’s position may be seen as the last attempt to maintain that power. After 14 years of conflict, Syrian military has broken, its economy has broken, and its transitional authorities feel a great pressure to stabilize Syria. Normalizing relations with Israel could lead to ensuring Western support, including sanctions relief.
For Israel, normalisation with the Jolani regime could affect the existence of Syrian traditional allies near the border and integrate Syria into the regional security framework that supports the United States.
Israeli military operations have led to civilian deaths, dislocations and social fragmentation throughout Syria. Without first addressing these humanitarian effects or obtaining guarantees of Israel’s withdrawal, Jolani’s approval of normalization could exacerbate the rifts of Syrian society.