A rare and powerful alignment of interests may be forming on Israel’s northern border, creating a unique opportunity for peace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that the aftermath of the war with Hezbollah has led to a convergence of goals with the new government in Syria and is pushing Lebanon in a new direction.
The most significant alignment is with post-Assad Syria. The new government’s primary interest is stability and reconstruction, which aligns with Israel’s interest in a secure and quiet border. This shared goal has led to direct negotiations, with a Syrian official confirming that they are working toward a mutually beneficial security pact.
In Lebanon, the interests are converging around the principle of state sovereignty. The United States, Israel, and a growing portion of the Lebanese population share an interest in seeing the official army control the country’s territory. This has created the momentum for the government’s decision to disarm Hezbollah.
Netanyahu highlighted this unique moment of opportunity. “The possibility of peace… was not even imagined before,” he told his cabinet, pointing to this rare convergence. He confirmed that this alignment has already produced “some progress” with Syria.
If this alignment holds, it could lead to lasting change. A demilitarized zone with Syria and a sovereign Lebanon are outcomes that would serve the interests of multiple regional and international players, creating a stable foundation for a new, more peaceful era.