(MENAFN) Former militia leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who took control of Syria in the previous year, might relinquish Damascus’ longstanding claim over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in return for official diplomatic ties with West Jerusalem, according to a report from a Lebanese media outlet.

Israel originally gained control over a substantial section of Syria’s Quneitra Governorate—approximately 1,800 square kilometers—during the 1967 conflict and formally incorporated the land in 1981.

Amid the instability that accompanied al-Sharaa’s ascent, the Israeli military reportedly advanced and occupied further portions of the territory.

In addition to territorial expansion, the Israeli Defense Forces have conducted several aerial attacks on Syrian forces loyal to the standing regime.

West Jerusalem has claimed that these operations were aimed at defending the Druze community—a minority group with distinct ethnic and religious identity—residing in the disputed area.

According to the outlet, an agreement may be in the works to restore diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The tentative deal would include Israel recognizing al-Sharaa's rule, pulling its forces out of areas acquired since his December power grab, and permitting Syria to maintain a military presence near its borders with Israel and Jordan—albeit under certain limitations.

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