Rubio Backs Diplomatic Breakthrough Between Israel and Syria

In a historic step toward regional reconciliation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on Thursday with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Antalya, Turkey the first such high-level diplomatic meeting between the United States and Syria in 15 years.

This landmark dialogue follows President Donald Trump's recent decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria and his bold push for Damascus to join the Abraham Accords. It’s a strategy aimed at forging a new Middle East less dependent on entrenched hostilities and more open to peace, partnership, and prosperity.

According to a State Department readout, Rubio welcomed Syria’s stated efforts to eliminate Iranian influence, pursue peace with Israel, and help determine the fate of missing or deceased U.S. citizens. Rubio also emphasized the need to protect the human rights of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity or religion.

The meeting was further reinforced by a trilateral dialogue involving Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, with Ankara stepping into a central role as mediator between Damascus, Washington, and Jerusalem.

President Trump’s earlier meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh paved the way for this thaw. Trump encouraged al-Sharaa to normalize ties with Israel, expel foreign terrorists, and transform Syria into a corridor of economic growth. The Syrian leader reportedly agreed in principle to support such goals, including a commitment to the 1974 Israel-Syria disengagement agreement.

Notably, these diplomatic breakthroughs coincide with secret indirect talks between Israel and Syria, reportedly mediated by the UAE and hosted in Azerbaijan. Senior Israeli military officials, including Maj. Gen. Oded Basyuk of the IDF Operations Directorate, were reportedly present. These talks aim to prevent escalation and explore a new era of regional coordination.

Still, Israel remains watchful. Syrian President al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, is viewed with deep suspicion in Jerusalem. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has previously warned of “jihadists in suits,” signaling skepticism about Syria’s new leadership despite their pro-Western overtures.

Nonetheless, the evolving alignment could alter the region’s landscape in dramatic ways. A Syria-Israel normalization deal, backed by both Washington and moderate Arab states, would be one of the most significant diplomatic developments in decades signaling that even the deepest wounds of conflict can begin to heal.

As Israel seeks to navigate these uncharted diplomatic waters, its steadfastness and pursuit of peace remain unwavering. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter for continued updates on Israel’s global partnerships and strategic resilience.