**Strategy of Embracing Syria Amid Reconfiguration of Middle Eastern Dynamics… Call with Netanyahu**
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, expressed on December 1st (local time) regarding Israel’s attack on southern Syria that “a strong and sincere dialogue must be maintained,” effectively sending a message of restraint. This stance seems to be driven by the notion that military clashes with Syria could be an obstacle to Middle Eastern stability and the strategic plans of the United States.
President Trump emphasized on social media platform “Truth Social” that “nothing should hinder Syria from evolving into a prosperous nation.” This statement targets the Israeli military attack on a southern Syrian village on November 28, which resulted in civilian casualties. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the confrontation led to 13 deaths and more than 20 injuries.
Trump stated, “The United States is satisfied with the achievements made in Syria through efforts and resolution,” and added that “it would support the Syrian government in constructing a credible and prosperous nation.” Last month, he expressed his willingness to assist in Syria’s reconstruction by delaying “Caesar Act” sanctions for 180 days following a summit with Ahmad Alshara, the interim President of Syria.
Ahmad Alshara, known for his past connections to Al-Qaeda and incarceration in a U.S. military prison in Iraq, makes a notable figure. His visit to the White House marks the first by a Syrian president since the country’s founding in 1946. Trump’s strategy to embrace Syria is interpreted to link with Middle Eastern strategies of strengthening pro-American factions and deepening the isolation of Iran.
However, Israel continues military confrontations by not complying with demands to withdraw from occupied territories in southern Syria, showing some discord with U.S. plans. Trump stated that “President Alshara is working diligently for Syria and Israel to enjoy a prosperous relationship,” calling it a historic opportunity following the ceasefire in Gaza.
Immediately after Trump’s message was disclosed, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a conversation with President Trump this evening.” The two leaders reaffirmed security agendas such as the disarmament of Hamas and demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, discussing the expansion of the peace agreement. President Trump invited Netanyahu to a new summit at the White House.
If this summit materializes, it would be the fifth meeting in the White House between the two leaders since Trump took office. Coincidentally, Netanyahu has recently requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog concerning his ongoing corruption trial, a move Trump publicly supported for months.
Israel has maintained close cooperation with the United States on Middle Eastern issues but sees slow progress in security agreements with Syria. Trump continues his vision to include Syria in the “Abraham Accords,” which linked Middle Eastern Arab nations with Israel, making Israel’s recent hardline stance a burden on the Trump administration’s strategy.