The Endgame Begins: Israel Plays for Peace with Syria and Lebanon

The endgame for decades of conflict on Israel’s northern border may have begun. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled on Sunday that Israel is playing for a final settlement, with active peace talks underway with Syria and a new opening to resolve the long-standing issues with Lebanon. He credited the war with Hezbollah for setting up this final phase.
The most advanced game is with Syria. Following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, the two countries have moved beyond the opening gambits and are now in serious, direct negotiations. A Syrian official has stated that they are aiming for a checkmate on the old state of war by finalizing a security agreement this year.
In Lebanon, the endgame involves removing Hezbollah as a strategic threat. Israel continues to make moves on the military board with targeted strikes, while the U.S. applies diplomatic pressure. This has forced the Lebanese government to make a key move of its own: ordering the disarmament of the powerful militia.
Netanyahu described his endgame strategy to his cabinet. “Our victories in Lebanon against Hezbollah have opened a window,” he said, positioning the war as the move that broke the long stalemate. He confirmed “some progress” in the negotiations with Syria.
The final pieces are being moved into position. A demilitarized zone is on the table with Syria. A sovereign Lebanese army controlling the south is the objective in Lebanon. If these moves are successful, the long and painful game on the northern border could finally be over.