JERUSALEM – President Donald Trump’s landmark Middle East agreement, the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, may soon expand to include Syria and Lebanon, according to Israeli media and U.S. officials. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, hinted at significant announcements regarding nations joining the agreement, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted the potential inclusion of Syria. Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi also suggested that direct talks with Syria’s new government could lead to the Abraham Accords’ expansion.
Witkoff’s comments have sparked excitement among Israeli media and Middle East experts, who believe that the expansion of the Accords could be a major diplomatic achievement during Trump’s administration. Hanegbi reportedly disclosed during a classified meeting with the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israel maintains direct communication with Syria’s new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former member of terrorist groups like the Islamic State. Analysts believe that with Iran’s recent humiliation, Syria and Lebanon may become realistic candidates for joining the Accords, which could bring them closer to peace with Israel.
Trump’s push for normalization with Syria has been linked to a potential lift of U.S. sanctions, as the president sought to exchange diplomatic relations with Israel for economic benefits. Former National Security Council official Robert Greenway, a key architect of the Abraham Accords, expressed optimism that Trump could expand the agreement during his second term, indicating that the potential inclusion of Syria and Lebanon might not be too far off. These developments, however, remain speculative and are subject to further negotiations and political will.
After the completion of the Abraham Accords, which normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan in 2020, there was a growing expectation among U.S. officials and Middle East experts that Saudi Arabia would follow suit. However, the Biden administration has faced criticism for failing to expand the Accords and for picking fights with states that made peace with Israel as part of the landmark agreement. This shift in policy highlights the ongoing influence of Trump’s foreign policy legacy in the region.
The possibility of Syria and Lebanon joining the Abraham Accords also reflects the changing political landscape in the Middle East, where new governments are seeking legitimacy and international recognition. Analysts suggest that Syria’s new government, under al-Sharaa, may see normalization with Israel as a way to gain support and legitimacy, particularly in the context of regional tensions with Iran. Meanwhile, Lebanon, which has been embroiled in political instability, could also see potential in aligning with Israel to gain economic and strategic advantages.
While these developments remain speculative, the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords represents a significant diplomatic and geopolitical shift. The Trump administration’s efforts to broaden the Accords have not only reshaped regional dynamics but also underscored the importance of U.S. foreign policy in brokering peace. As the region continues to evolve, the success of these initiatives could have lasting implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics and international relations.