UPDATE: Donald Trump is moving forward with a surprising plan to construct a luxury ski resort in war-torn Syria, aiming to ease tensions between Israel and the Arab nation. This ambitious project, backed by the White House, comes as part of a proposed “new economic zone” in a contested region currently occupied by Israeli troops.
Insiders reveal that the ski resort could potentially be located on Mount Hermon, a strategic peak in southern Syria known for its military significance, and will be paired with power projects, oil pipelines, data centers, and more. The idea is to establish a lavish Zermatt-style destination in a region that has seen decades of conflict.
This extraordinary plan is reportedly supported by Syria’s new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has expressed intentions to foster peace with Israel. However, he has also demanded the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Syrian territory, which complicates the situation further. The IDF has maintained a presence on the Golan Heights since December 2024, shortly after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.
The project comes amid ongoing negotiations between Israeli and Syrian officials, recently held in Paris, aimed at reducing hostilities. A US official told Axios, “This economic zone will include wind farms, agriculture, the best ski mountain in the Middle East and the Druze community that is the best at hospitality.” This initiative echoes previous Trump-era proposals for economic zones in conflict areas, including Ukraine.
As Israel and Syria finalize plans to share intelligence in a new “joint-fusion mechanism,” tensions remain high. The US State Department praised these developments, stating, “The United States commends these positive steps… When sovereign nations cooperate in a respectful and productive way, prosperity will be unleashed.”
The proposed ski resort is not just an isolated project; it’s part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region and potentially pave the way for diplomatic ties. However, it faces skepticism amid fears of renewed violence, particularly following deadly sectarian clashes in Sweida province last year.
Israel has been preparing defenses, emphasizing the need for its troops to protect the local Druze community and to counteract terrorist threats along the border. This complex backdrop casts doubt on the feasibility of the resort amidst ongoing military operations, including recent US airstrikes that targeted Islamic State positions in Syria.
As this plan unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor both diplomatic progress and military developments in the region. The world watches closely as the proposed ski resort could signify a new chapter in Middle Eastern relations or lead to further complications in an already volatile landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, with implications that could resonate far beyond the slopes of a potential luxury ski resort.
