New York- USA | September 24, 2025
Syria and Israel Nearing “De-escalation” Deal, U.S. Envoy Confirms
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced that Syria and Israel are close to a “de-escalation” agreement. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Barrack stated that the potential pact, if finalized, would halt Israeli airstrikes in Syria in exchange for a Syrian commitment to keep heavy military equipment away from the border. This marks a significant development in a long-standing state of war between the two nations and represents a potential first step toward a broader security agreement.
Headline Points
* U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack revealed that a “de-escalation” deal between Israel and Syria is close to being finalized.
* The agreement would see Israel halt its airstrikes on Syrian territory in return for Syria’s pledge not to move heavy military equipment near the border.
* The deal, which has been under negotiation with U.S. mediation, is intended as the first step toward a more comprehensive security agreement.
* The U.S. had hoped to announce the pact this week, but progress has been stalled by the Jewish New Year holiday of Rosh Hashanah.
* This is a significant diplomatic turn for both countries, which have been in a state of war for decades and have no formal diplomatic ties.
The Details of the Deal
Barrack provided a high-level overview of the agreement, highlighting what he called the “good faith” approach of both parties. The core of the deal is a mutual, albeit limited, reduction in military tensions along their shared border. For its part, Israel would cease its frequent airstrikes inside Syria. These strikes, often targeting what Israel says are Iranian and Hezbollah positions, have been a major point of friction. In return, the new Syrian government would agree to not move heavy military equipment and weaponry near the border, a measure aimed at addressing Israel’s security concerns.
While the current agreement is focused on de-escalation, Barrack noted that it is part of a larger plan to achieve a more permanent security arrangement. The U.S. has been actively involved in mediating talks between the two countries, which have been ongoing for several months.
A New Chapter for Old Adversaries
The prospective deal is a remarkable development for two countries that have been in a perpetual state of war since 1948. Relations have been fraught with conflict and mistrust, from the Six-Day War in 1967, which resulted in Israel occupying the Golan Heights, to the Syrian Civil War, which saw Israel conducting frequent airstrikes. However, with the overthrow of the previous regime in Damascus and the installation of a new government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, there appears to be a new willingness to engage in dialogue.
Al-Sharaa’s visit to the U.S. for the UN General Assembly is the first by a Syrian leader in 60 years and has been seen as a significant step toward reintegrating Syria into the international community. The U.S. has already eased some sanctions on Syria in a bid to stabilize the country, and this new agreement would represent a major diplomatic victory for the Trump administration and a potential path to peace in the region.
