Publication

This report examines prospects for renewing diplomacy between Syria and Israel. It argues that regional developments have not been promising, citing events such as the July 2006 Lebanon war and the relaunch of the Arab peace initiative at the March 2007 Arab League summit. The report further states that the Israeli-Syrian conflict has prevented normalization of Israel’s relations with the Arab world and has helped maintain regional tension which could lead to another armed conflict. The report also describes Israel’s reasons for holding on to the Golan, such as suspicion of Syria’s intentions or the strength of the settler population.