The Conflict

Syria and Israel have been at war off and on since the establishment of Israel in 1948. Both have occupied parts of Lebanon in an effort to protect their borders. In recent years they have been—sporadically—negotiating for peace.

Religious

• Muslim Syria and Jewish Israel both believe that they have a religio-historical right to Palestine, the site of many important religious places.

Political

• Syria has not, historically, recognized Israel's right to exist.
• There have been numerous wars between Israel and neighboring Arab countries, including Syria.
• Prior to its division by France, Syria included today's Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine (Israel).

Economic

• Conflict over fishing and water rights.

The conflict between Israel and Syria poses one of the most complex challenges to achieving a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The modern history...