The United States is promoting an Israeli-Syrian initiative to establish a joint ski resort on Mount Hermon, two sources familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post.
One source said substantial work on the project had already been completed.
The initiative, backed by the Trump administration's special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, and other senior administration officials, would be operated largely by Druze communities on both sides of the border. These communities would oversee hospitality and food services at the site.
The project is part of a broader American effort to facilitate joint ventures between Damascus and Jerusalem. Another proposal under discussion includes establishing industrial zones in the demilitarized area defined by the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement, which the two countries signed after the Yom Kippur War.
Following a round of meetings between senior Israeli and Syrian officials on Tuesday, the sides also agreed to begin dialogue on cooperation in the fields of energy, healthcare, and agriculture.
Barrack said Tuesday that “under the leadership and inspiration of [US President Donald] Trump, prioritizing economic opportunity, prosperity, and open dialogue consistently leads to meaningful and long-term cooperation.”
This marks the first time Israel and Syria have agreed to engage in discussions on civilian issues, rather than focusing solely on security arrangements.
Who will form the Israeli-Syrian delegations?
The Israeli delegation at the meeting included Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, Military Secretary to the prime minister and Mossad head-designate, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, and acting National Security Council head Gil Reich.
Representing Syria were Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Intelligence Chief Hussein Salameh. The US was represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Barrack, who also serves as ambassador to Turkey.
Barrack described the talks as a “breakthrough,” adding: “The outcome of the meeting reflects a strong, mutual desire to move from denial to genuine cooperation and shared prosperity. Both sides are committed to a new relationship based on transparency and partnership – one that heals past grievances and accelerates a collaborative future.”