The Hebrew newspaper “Ma'ariv” published an article discussing the future of Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, addressing two scenarios, one described as "fantastical" and the other as "less fanciful," focusing on the Israeli role and potential regional relations.

The first scenario: Fantastical peace and a surprising leader

The newspaper imagined that opposition leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the head of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham," is elected president of Syria with a majority of 97%, similar to the previous elections during Assad's rule.

• A radical shift: Al-Julani abandons his hostility towards Israel and the demand for the complete return of the Golan, acknowledging the Israeli aid provided during Assad's rule.

• Peace treaty: He proposes signing a peace agreement with Israel that includes the withdrawal of the Israeli army from some occupied villages in the Golan and the return of part of the Syrian territories under Syrian sovereignty.

• Positive developments:

• A shared win for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 jointly between Al-Julani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

• Extensive normalization includes tourist trips between Syria and Israel, and a train line connecting Damascus to Turkey, with the extension of the "Abraham Accords" to other countries like Saudi Arabia.

• Opening casinos in southern Lebanon and Beirut for Israeli tourists.

The second scenario: A less fanciful conflict

In this scenario, tensions escalate between Syria led by Al-Julani and Israel due to the latter's violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and its occupation of additional areas in the Golan under the pretext of self-defense.

• Al-Julani's reaction: He becomes angry at the Israeli move and considers it a precursor to the expansion of settlements.

• Regional implications:

• Arab and international support for Al-Julani due to Israel's violation of the agreement.

• A surprising cooperation between the new Syrian government and Hezbollah.

• Withdrawal of Sunni countries, led by Saudi Arabia, from the "Abraham Accords" pathway and a cessation of communication with Israel.

Summary of the article:

The author of the article urged Israel to take the two scenarios seriously, stating that the option of peace with Syria led by