Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Syria, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on June 29, 2026. This position effectively blocks the near-term normalization of relations with Syria ahead of Israel's October 2026 elections, despite U.S.-mediated discussions.

A source familiar with the matter indicated on June 29, 2026, that the U.S. administration assesses the likelihood of advancing normalization between the two countries before Israel's upcoming elections as "very slim." The source noted that the Syrian government's primary condition for normalization involves Israel withdrawing from the buffer zone it occupied after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in late 2024.

U.S. officials believe that substantial progress on normalization will be challenging. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not expected to approve any withdrawal from the buffer zone prior to the October elections. Katz confirmed Israel's stance, stating, "I informed the commander of US Central Command, Admiral Cooper, that we will not withdraw from the security zone in Syria."

Discussions between Israeli and Syrian officials have occurred, facilitated by the United States. Tom Barrack, President Trump's special envoy for Syria, led these talks. Participants included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, then-strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, and Israel's Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter. Syrian officials indicated during these meetings that any security agreement and progress toward normalization are contingent on renewing the 1974 buffer zone agreement.

The buffer zone was established in 1974 following the Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria, which came after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Israeli forces moved into parts of the UN-monitored buffer zone and several adjacent tactical locations after the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024. Syria's new government and much of the international community contend that the 1974 agreement remains legally valid and have called for Israel's withdrawal from the buffer zone.

Discussions between Israeli and Syrian officials have also covered potential economic and civilian cooperation projects. One idea explored was a joint ski resort on Mount Hermon, intended to span both the Syrian and Israeli sides and involve Druze communities. President Isaac Herzog previously stated, "We seek peace with Syria and the opening of a new chapter between our nations."