In a secret operation, the Israeli Mossad obtained the official intelligence archive of the Assad regime, including around 2,500 documents, photos, and personal belongings of the late Mossad agent Eli Cohen.
This sparked speculation across Arab social media that Syria's new president, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, helped Israel access the archive—and may even return Cohen’s remains.
While Israeli officials deny these claims, they acknowledge increased diplomatic engagement with al-Julani’s leadership in recent months. The new Syrian regime is reportedly seeking to distance itself from regional conflicts and draw closer to the West.
This shift is welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who during a visit to Saudi Arabia declared his intention to lift sanctions on Syria and include it in the Abraham Accords. The European Union has also shown openness.