The Unlikely Peacemaker: Netanyahu Claims War Forged Diplomatic Openings

In a statement that casts him as an unlikely peacemaker, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that war, specifically Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah, has forged new diplomatic openings with Syria and Lebanon. He told his cabinet on Sunday that military “victories” have created a previously “unimagined” chance for peace.
The most surprising opening is with Syria, an adversary for over 75 years. The end of the Assad regime has allowed for direct peace talks to commence. The new Syrian government is reportedly keen to stabilize its southern border, with one official projecting that security and military agreements could be signed by the end of 2025.
In Lebanon, the peacemaking process is indirect. It involves weakening Hezbollah through continued military strikes, thereby strengthening the hand of the official Lebanese government. This strategy, backed by U.S. diplomacy, has led Beirut to finally order its army to plan the disarmament of the militia.
Netanyahu’s narrative presents a clear, if controversial, logic. “Our victories… have opened a window for… peace with our northern neighbours,” he stated. He confirmed that this window has led to “some progress” in talks with the Syrians.
This unlikely path to peace is being paved with concrete steps. Syria’s new president is negotiating a land-for-security deal with Israel. In Lebanon, the foreign minister has laid out a three-month plan to start disarming Hezbollah in the south. These are tangible outcomes of a strategy that began with conflict.