“The United States is very satisfied with the results displayed, through hard work and determination, in the Country of Syria,” Trump said. “We are doing everything within our power to make sure the Government of Syria continues to do what was intended, which is substantial, in order to build a true and prosperous Country.”

Trump gave himself some credit for helping Syria, specifically pointing to his lifting of “very strong and biting sanctions,” which he believes was “truly appreciated by Syria, its Leadership, and its People!”

He then turned his attention toward Israel, which has periodically clashed with the new government throughout the year.

“It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State,” Trump said. “The new President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is working diligently to make sure good things happen, and that both Syria and Israel will have a long and prosperous relationship together. This is a historic opportunity, and adds to the SUCCESS, already attained, for PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST!”

Israel has taken a much more cautious approach to its neighbor’s new government, beginning with its destruction of the Assad regime’s military hardware in an extensive air campaign beginning in December. Jerusalem has moved to ensure that Damascus cannot build up forces along the border or near its occupied zone in the southwest.

The most serious clashes between Israel and Syria came in June and July, when Israel launched heavy airstrikes against government buildings in Damascus after accusing government forces of entering the demilitarized zone. In July, Israel carried out heavy airstrikes against government forces in support of the Syrian Druze.

The most recent serious clashes occurred on Friday, when an Israeli incursion into Syrian territory resulted in an exchange of fire, followed by Israeli airstrikes, which killed five Syrians. Damascus issued one of its strongest condemnations against Israel after the attack.

TRUMP HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT SYRIA’S ANCIENT COMMUNITIES

The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned “the criminal attack carried out by an Israeli occupation army patrol in Beit Jinn. The occupation forces’ targeting of the town of Beit Jinn with brutal and deliberate shelling, following their failed incursion, constitutes a full-fledged war crime.”

The tensions have put Washington in an awkward position. The Trump administration has struggled to juggle its support for its newfound ally in Damascus with support for its longtime ally in Israel.