On June 30, 2025, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced Israel's interest in establishing official diplomatic relations with Syria and Lebanon, signaling a potential expansion of regional normalization efforts. Saar emphasized that Israel aims to bring these neighboring countries into the circle of peace and normalization, referencing the framework of the Abraham Accords. However, he firmly stated that Israel will not negotiate the status of the occupied Golan Heights in any peace agreement with Syria. Saar reiterated that the Golan Heights, which Israel has administered for over 40 years, will remain an integral part of Israel under any future agreement. He also noted that any peace deal with Syria would require Damascus to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. This stance underscores Israel's intent to maintain its sovereignty over the strategic plateau while pursuing diplomatic ties with historically adversarial neighbors.