President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue pragmatic engagement with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, signaling a shift toward stability-focused diplomacy in a region long defined by conflict and hardened alliances.

Speaking during a December 29, 2025, meeting in Florida, Trump described al-Sharaa as a determined and capable leader navigating the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s fall, while acknowledging the realities of governing a fractured country. “You’re not going to get a choir boy to lead Syria,” Trump said, adding that the new Syrian president is “working very hard to do a good job.” Trump expressed hope that Israel and Syria could find a way to coexist, pledging U.S. support to help both sides “get along.”

The remarks come after the United States lifted most sanctions on Syria in an effort to stabilize the country and reduce incentives for renewed extremism or regional chaos. Al-Sharaa, who rose to power in late 2024 after leading Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces against the Assad regime, remains a controversial figure due to his past links to al-Qaeda and a former U.S. bounty placed on him. Trump, however, framed the moment as one requiring realism rather than idealism, emphasizing outcomes over history.

Israel has approached the situation cautiously, continuing airstrikes against perceived threats and maintaining control of a seized buffer zone along its northern frontier. Netanyahu has consistently stressed Israel’s security red lines, particularly amid concerns over Hezbollah activity and Iranian influence attempting to reassert itself through Syrian territory.

The meeting also addressed progress toward a Gaza ceasefire, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and Hezbollah’s regional posture, reinforcing Trump’s broader strategy of decisive but flexible engagement. By encouraging dialogue with Syria’s new leadership while maintaining strong support for Israel’s security, Trump positioned the United States as a stabilizing force willing to confront hard realities to prevent wider regional escalation.

The exchange underscored Trump’s belief that durable peace in the Middle East requires strength, leverage, and a willingness to deal with imperfect actors in pursuit of strategic stability.