During an unusual visit to Israel’s parliament this week, Syrian political activist Shadi Martini conveyed a message from Damascus, which he stated originated directly from Syria’s transitional .
“An opportunity like this arises only once a century,” Martini quoted al-Sharaa as stating during a recent meeting at the presidential palace. “This window of opportunity will not stay open indefinitely.”
Speaking with Digital, Martini, who is the CEO of Multifaith Alliance and a long-standing proponent of humanitarian collaboration between Syrians and Israelis, indicated that his discussion with al-Sharaa centered on potential normalization and – yet also highlighted areas of disagreement.
He further confirmed that President al-Sharaa was aware his communication might be shared in Israel. “It was not confidential. It was forthright and precise – and the core message was, ‘Take action now.’”
“Israel was a significant topic of our discussion,” Martini remarked about the Damascus meeting, which took place shortly after Eid al-Adha in June and just days prior to renewed Israeli airstrikes within . “Considerable concern was expressed regarding Israeli incursions into Syrian territory. The president was explicit – how can discussions about a peace agreement proceed while such actions persist?”
Nevertheless, Martini left the conversation feeling optimistic. “I certainly perceived an opportunity,” he stated. “It’s not solely al-Sharaa’s personal desire; there’s an increasing understanding throughout Syria that for investment, prosperity, and stability, change is necessary.”
The identical message was conveyed this week to Israeli legislators during an unprecedented regional security caucus committee session chaired by Knesset members. Martini, formerly a hospital director in Aleppo who fled to the U.S. following the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2012, spoke to the assembly alongside a Saudi analyst and Israeli officials, indicating what he described as a “momentous” occasion.
“Syria is observing Saudi Arabia intently,” he commented, referring to Riyadh’s indications of willingness to establish ties with Israel given specific conditions. “Both nations are assessing the economic prospects – what President is extending to the region – and questioning if Israel will capitalize on it. Otherwise, that potential prosperity could bypass them.”
This week, discussions regarding a potential U.S.-mediated agreement between Syria and Israel have been prevalent in the media, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s presence at the White House.
Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, informed Digital that “President Trump supports all endeavors aimed at achieving greater peace in the Middle East and globally.”
When questioned on Wednesday morning by FOX Business Global Markets Editor and anchor Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” about whether he is presently pursuing a non-aggression agreement with Syria, Netanyahu replied cautiously: “I believe opportunities currently exist,” he stated. “You may recall President Wilson’s assertion, ‘I believe in open covenants openly arrived at.’ I offer a minor adjustment: I advocate for open covenants secretly reached.”
“Therefore, whatever diplomatic efforts we can undertake, I believe should be conducted discreetly – and then presented as a surprise. We spent three years working on the , and then unexpectedly revealed four peace treaties. I anticipate more are on the way.”
Martini emphasized that al-Sharra indicated certain matters are still outstanding. “These include Gaza, the requirement for a ceasefire, and a path toward a Palestinian state,” he noted. “From Syria’s perspective, there is also the matter of the Golan Heights. However, the initial and paramount step involves returning to the 1974 armistice line.”
Martini recognized that advocating for peace with Israel continues to be a contentious topic in Damascus. “Yet, a growing number of Syrians now grasp that this is essential for Syria.”
Martini reported that Israeli legislators reacted favorably. “I sensed they were truly attentive,” he remarked. “And I hope that a message arriving directly from Syria will aid in bringing clarity.”