The Syrian government has issued a new customs decree reinforcing its long-standing ban on Israeli goods, signalling continued tensions between Damascus and Israel as regional normalisation efforts remain stalled.
The decree instructs customs authorities to tighten enforcement measures against products linked to Israel and prevent their entry into Syrian markets. Syrian officials said the move is intended to reaffirm existing boycott policies and strengthen economic restrictions tied to the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
The development comes amid reports of indirect discussions and regional diplomatic efforts aimed at exploring possible future engagement between Syria and Israel. However, negotiations have shown little visible progress, with deep political and security disagreements continuing to block any breakthrough.
Relations between the two countries have remained hostile for decades, particularly over the occupied Golan Heights and the wider regional conflict. Analysts say the latest Syrian measures suggest Damascus is not currently preparing for major public normalisation steps despite broader shifts in diplomatic relations across the Middle East. The decree is also likely to further complicate any future economic or diplomatic talks between the two sides.
