Ofek Riemer

The “Memorandum to Create De-escalation Zones in Syria,” signed in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 5, 2017 by Russia, Iran, and Turkey as guarantors of implementation, is the fourth attempt within just over a year to bring about a sustainable ceasefire in Syria. New this time is the establishment of four de-escalation zones in Syrian territory. The agreement is thus an attempt to shape the future in Syria, including areas where Israel and Jordan have very clear interests, yet thus far without consideration of these interests. As such, it creates the potential for the emergence of substantive new threats. At the same time, it serves as another signal to Israel to reconsider its policy of non-intervention in the crisis in Syria and display strong resolve to protect its essential interests.