U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing to cement the principle of recognizing realities imposed by force in occupied territories, particularly in Syria, raising questions about the legal weight of such moves.

Relations between Syria and “Israel” had long been governed by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement signed with Hafez al-Assad’s regime, until Tel Aviv announced on December 8, 2024, that it was no longer in effect.

Scenes of killings and the displacement of Bedouin families from rural Sweida by militias loyal to Hikmat al-Hijri on July 17, 2025, prompted tens of thousands of tribal fighters from across Syria to mobilize toward the city.

“Israel” and Syria have been holding discussions for months about ending hostilities between the two countries, according to people briefed on the negotiations.