In a recent interview with CNN, aired on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani addressed the complex and fraught issue of normalizing relations with Israel, describing it as a "difficult" prospect given the ongoing tensions and territorial disputes between the two nations. His remarks, made during a visit to New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, underscored the deep-seated challenges Syria faces in its foreign relations, particularly with Israel, while also outlining an ambitious vision for the country’s future as a stable, unified, and economically prosperous state.
The Obstacles to Normalization with Israel
Shaibani’s comments came during a discussion at a Council on Foreign Relations event on Thursday, September 25, 2025, where he elaborated on the reasons why normalization with Israel remains a distant goal. He pointed to Israel’s continued threats against Syria and its occupation of Syrian territories as significant barriers. "Speaking of normalization and the Abraham Accords at this time is difficult, particularly since Syria remains threatened by Israel, the Golan continues to be occupied, and other Syrian territories were occupied after the 8th of December," Shaibani stated, referencing the Israeli military actions that followed the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024.
The Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, a strategically significant region captured during the 1967 Six-Day War, has long been a point of contention between the two nations. The situation was further exacerbated after December 8, 2024, when Israel expanded its control by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone established under the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syria and Israel. This move was widely criticized as a violation of international agreements and has deepened mistrust between Damascus and Tel Aviv.
Shaibani expressed frustration at Israel’s actions, noting that Syria has repeatedly signaled its desire for peaceful coexistence. "Syria has declared it poses no threat to anyone in the region, including Israel," he said, emphasizing that the new Syrian administration has sought to project a message of non-aggression. However, he lamented that these overtures have been met with hostility. "These positive messages were met with these threats," he added, highlighting the disconnect between Syria’s stated intentions and Israel’s military responses.
When pressed on the reasons behind Israel’s attacks on Syrian territory, Shaibani admitted uncertainty, stating, "I do not know the reason." However, he pointed to a contradiction in Israel’s stated objectives. "There is an Israeli position that they want one strong, unified Syria. However, Israeli practices run counter to that," he remarked. This critique reflects a broader sentiment in Syria that Israel’s actions, including its airstrikes and territorial incursions, undermine the stability of the new Syrian government and hinder its efforts to unify the country.
Israel’s Military Actions in Syria
Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Israel has intensified its military operations in Syria, launching hundreds of airstrikes targeting military infrastructure, including fighter jets, missile systems, and air defense installations. These strikes have primarily focused on assets associated with the former regime and its allies, which Israel has long viewed as a security threat. The collapse of the Assad government, which had maintained a delicate balance of power in the region, created a power vacuum that Israel sought to address through preemptive strikes aimed at preventing advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of hostile groups.
The expansion of Israel’s control over the Golan Heights, particularly the seizure of the demilitarized buffer zone, has been a particularly contentious issue. The 1974 disengagement agreement, brokered after the Yom Kippur War, established the buffer zone as a neutral area patrolled by United Nations forces to prevent direct military confrontations between Israel and Syria. By moving into this zone, Israel violated the terms of the agreement, prompting condemnation from Syria and other regional actors. The move was seen as an attempt to consolidate control over the Golan Heights, which Israel annexed in 1981—a decision that has not been recognized by the international community.
These actions have significantly complicated Syria’s efforts to stabilize its government and rebuild its international standing. The new administration, led by transitional authorities under Prime Minister Mohammed Sharaa, has sought to distance itself from the policies of the Assad regime, which had aligned closely with Iran and Hezbollah—both adversaries of Israel. However, Israel’s continued military operations have raised questions about its willingness to engage with the new Syrian government as a partner in regional stability.
A Vision for Syria’s Future
Despite the challenges posed by Israel’s actions, Shaibani articulated an optimistic vision for Syria’s future, looking ahead five years to a nation that is politically stable, economically vibrant, and reintegrated into the international community. "We envision a Syria that is a real strong state," he said, emphasizing the importance of economic viability and social cohesion. Central to this vision is the return of Syrian expatriates, who fled the country during years of civil war and political repression under Assad. Shaibani expressed hope that these Syrians would return to invest in their homeland, contributing to its reconstruction and economic recovery.
The foreign minister also outlined Syria’s aspirations for its foreign relations, emphasizing the establishment of "friendly and cooperative relations with its neighbors." This includes not only regional powers but also global actors, with Shaibani highlighting the potential for "strategic ties" with the United States. "A unified and strong Syria will be in the interest of regional peace and in the interest of Israel as well," he argued, suggesting that a stable Syria could serve as a bulwark against the chaos and extremism that have plagued the region in recent decades.
This vision reflects the priorities of Syria’s transitional administration, which was formed in January 2025 following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The collapse of the Assad regime, which had ruled Syria since 2000 (and the Baath Party since 1963), marked a turning point for the country. Assad, who fled to Russia in December 2024, left behind a nation fractured by years of civil war, economic collapse, and international isolation. The new administration, under Sharaa’s leadership, has sought to address these challenges through a combination of political reforms, economic restructuring, and efforts to promote social cohesion.
The Fall of Assad and the Rise of a New Syria
The fall of the Assad regime in late 2024 was a seismic event in Syrian history, ending more than six decades of Baathist rule. Assad’s departure, prompted by a combination of internal unrest and external pressure, followed years of civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. The regime’s collapse created both opportunities and challenges for Syria, as the country grappled with the task of rebuilding its institutions and restoring stability.
The transitional administration, established in January 2025, has prioritized political and economic reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of Syria’s instability. These include efforts to decentralize power, strengthen democratic institutions, and rebuild the economy, which was devastated by years of conflict and sanctions. The government has also sought to expand cooperation with regional and international partners, signaling a shift away from the Assad era’s reliance on allies like Iran and Russia.
However, the transition has not been without challenges. The power vacuum left by Assad’s departure has led to increased instability in some parts of the country, with rival factions vying for control. Israel’s military actions, including its airstrikes and occupation of additional Syrian territory, have further complicated the situation, raising fears of renewed conflict. The new administration has also faced the daunting task of rebuilding a country ravaged by war, with crumbling infrastructure, a collapsed economy, and a deeply divided population.
Regional and International Implications
Shaibani’s remarks highlight the broader implications of Syria’s transition for the Middle East and beyond. A stable and unified Syria could play a pivotal role in promoting regional peace, particularly if it succeeds in establishing cooperative relationships with its neighbors. However, the ongoing tensions with Israel, coupled with the complex dynamics of the region, pose significant obstacles to this goal.
The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, have been cited as a potential model for Syria. However, Shaibani’s comments suggest that such an agreement is unlikely in the near term, given Israel’s actions and the unresolved issue of the Golan Heights. For Syria to move toward normalization, Israel would need to demonstrate a willingness to engage with the new Syrian government as a legitimate partner, rather than a security threat.
The United States, which Shaibani identified as a potential strategic partner, could also play a key role in supporting Syria’s transition. The U.S. has historically viewed Syria through the lens of its alliances with Iran and Hezbollah, but the fall of the Assad regime presents an opportunity to reset relations. By engaging with the new administration, the U.S. could help bolster Syria’s stability and counterbalance the influence of other regional powers, such as Turkey and Iran.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As Syria navigates its post-Assad future, it faces a delicate balancing act. The new administration must address internal challenges, such as rebuilding the economy and fostering national unity, while also managing complex foreign relations. Israel’s actions, particularly its occupation of Syrian territory and ongoing airstrikes, have heightened tensions and complicated efforts to stabilize the country. At the same time, Syria’s outreach to regional and international partners signals a desire to reintegrate into the global community and move beyond the isolation of the Assad era.
Shaibani’s vision of a strong, unified, and economically viable Syria is ambitious but not unattainable. The return of Syrian expatriates, combined with international investment and support, could provide the resources needed to rebuild the country. However, achieving this vision will require overcoming significant obstacles, including the ongoing conflict with Israel and the internal challenges of governance and reconstruction.
In conclusion, Syria stands at a crossroads. The fall of the Assad regime has opened the door to a new chapter in the country’s history, one that holds the promise of stability and prosperity but also the risk of continued conflict and instability. As Foreign Minister Shaibani made clear, the path to normalization with Israel remains fraught, but a unified and strong Syria could serve as a cornerstone of regional peace—if given the chance to succeed.