UPDATE: Donald Trump has just announced an ambitious plan to construct a luxury ski resort in Syria, aiming to alleviate tensions between Israel and the war-ravaged nation. The project, which includes a proposed “new economic zone,” is reportedly gaining support from the White House and Syria’s new leadership amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.
The proposed ski resort, reminiscent of a Zermatt-style getaway, would rise in a disputed area currently occupied by Israeli forces. Officials have indicated that the development could include not only the ski slopes but also power projects, oil pipelines, data centers, and various other economic ventures. This mega-project is expected to take shape once Israeli troops withdraw from the area, while still providing necessary security assurances to Israel.
While the exact location has yet to be confirmed, insiders suggest that the resort could be situated on Mount Hermon, a strategic peak in southern Syria that has historically been used by Israel for surveillance and troop training. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) expanded its operations into Syrian territory on the Golan Heights, prompting significant geopolitical shifts.
Amidst this backdrop, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed skepticism, emphasizing that Israeli forces are essential to protect the local Druze community and prevent terrorist threats. Tensions escalated last year with violent sectarian clashes in Sweida province, resulting in hundreds of casualties, some linked to regime forces.
The announcement follows a recent meeting between Israeli and Syrian officials in Paris, facilitated by the U.S.. An American official described the proposed economic zone as incorporating wind farms and agricultural projects alongside the ski resort, labeling it as the best ski destination in the Middle East. This development mirrors a previous Trump-era initiative aimed at establishing a demilitarized economic zone in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
In a parallel effort, Israel and Syria have confirmed a deal to share intelligence, creating a “joint-fusion mechanism” that could be based in Amman, Jordan. This initiative is viewed as a crucial step toward establishing full diplomatic relations between the two nations. The U.S. State Department has praised these developments, affirming its commitment to fostering peace in the region.
Last month, the U.S. conducted extensive air strikes in Syria, targeting Islamic State positions and infrastructure, resulting in approximately 70 casualties among the terror group. The Pentagon indicated that this coordinated operation involved over 100 precision munitions and was supported by Jordanian forces.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these ambitious plans will unfold and if they can genuinely contribute to lasting peace in the Middle East. The international community is watching closely as these negotiations and projects progress, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.
This announcement is stirring significant interest; as details emerge, the implications of Trump’s vision for a luxury ski resort in Syria could reverberate beyond economic discussions, touching on broader themes of diplomacy and regional stability.
