In what’s being called a potential breakthrough in Middle East diplomacy, momentum is building behind former U.S. President Donald Trump’s effort to mediate peace between Israel and Syria, a move some analysts say could reshape the region’s future.
In a historic and unexpected moment this week, Syrian political activist Shadi Martini delivered a direct message from Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa to members of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. Speaking at a newly formed regional security caucus, Martini quoted al-Sharaa as saying, “We have an opportunity like this only once in a hundred years… the window will not remain open forever.”
Martini, who now serves as the CEO of the Multifaith Alliance, told SNEWS TV partners at Fox News Digital that the message from Damascus was intentional and urgent. According to him, the discussion with al-Sharaa focused on regional security, normalization with Israel, and the promise of economic revival—but also acknowledged deep tensions over continued Israeli military actions inside Syrian territory.
Still, Martini expressed hope. He described a growing shift in Syria, where economic hardship and political instability are prompting more leaders and citizens to consider peace as a strategic necessity. “If we want investment, if we want prosperity, if we want stability, something has to change,” he emphasized.
During his visit to Jerusalem, Martini was joined by Israeli officials and a Saudi political analyst, creating a rare platform for regional dialogue. He noted that Syria is watching Saudi Arabia’s own slow but deliberate moves toward Israel and sees Trump’s proposed economic partnerships as a significant incentive. “There is a sense that this prosperity could bypass Syria if we don’t act,” he warned.
The timing of this visit is notable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met twice with Donald Trump at the White House this week. When asked whether a non-aggression pact with Syria was in the works, Netanyahu responded with cautious optimism, citing the surprise success of the Abraham Accords and suggesting more diplomatic breakthroughs could follow, perhaps in secret.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly added that Trump “welcomes any effort toward greater peace in the Middle East and around the world.”
Martini’s message also touched on unresolved conflicts namely, the future of Gaza, Palestinian statehood, and the Golan Heights, long claimed by both Israel and Syria. Al-Sharaa reportedly emphasized the need to begin by returning to the 1974 armistice lines as a starting point for negotiations.
Though peace with Israel remains controversial within Damascus, Martini claims support is growing. “More Syrians now understand this is what Syria needs,” he said. Israeli lawmakers, according to Martini, responded with genuine interest.
As the region watches closely, this rare diplomatic overture suggests that new alignments and new hope could be on the horizon.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
