Now that Israel’s direct war with Iran is on pause, the headlines are pouring in from both Israeli and international media: ״Israel and Syria are holding direct talks.” “A peace deal may be on the horizon.״ ״Normalization.״ ״Abraham Accords.״ To many, it sounds like a dream — but if you understand the Middle East, you realize it’s a very dangerous illusion.

I understand the yearning for peace. Israelis have been at war with Syria, formally and informally, for decades. Who doesn’t want to end decades of conflict? Who doesn’t want regional calm?

But we must ask: is a deal the way to accomplish the end of conflict? At what cost, and with whom?