Kathmandu— Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, Syria has adopted a policy of diplomatic engagement with Israel over military confrontation. Despite repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian soil and continued occupation of parts of southern Syria, Damascus remains committed to peace talks as its only viable option for stability and rebuilding.

Syria's Diplomatic Approach

Under the new government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria has sought regional and international support to counter Israeli provocations. The country’s officials have repeatedly stated their intent to avoid conflicts with neighbors and focus on rebuilding after over a decade of war. Rob Geist Pinfold, a lecturer at King's College London, noted that Damascus is intensely pragmatic in its approach, willing to engage in talks as long as it promotes national interests.

Israeli Provocations

Israel has continued to disrupt peace efforts through repeated attacks on Syrian soil and occupation of parts of southern Syria. In July 2025, Israel bombed the Syrian Ministry of Defence in Damascus. Despite these actions, Damascus continues to seek diplomatic solutions, filing multiple complaints with the United Nations regarding Israeli violations.

Regional Dynamics

Syria has gained support from Turkey and several Gulf states, as well as trust from the US under Donald Trump’s administration. The country's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani emphasized that Syria does not currently view Israel as a reliable partner but sees negotiations as a security necessity. Analysts suggest that Damascus hopes to leverage its pragmatism to create stability by removing Israel as a key spoiler in post-Assad Syria.

Future Prospects

Despite diplomatic efforts, the current Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu seems more inclined towards military action than peace agreements. Analysts predict that with upcoming elections in October, Netanyahu’s administration may seek to escalate tensions rather than ease them. The issue of the Golan Heights remains a significant point of contention, as Israel has repeatedly stated its intention not to relinquish control over this area.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.