The American newspaper The Hill has reported remarks by a senior official in the Trump administration, who described Israel’s modern borders as being drawn on “illusory foundations,” criticising the very concept of the nation-state in the Middle East.
The official praised the governing model of the Ottoman Empire, accusing Western powers of distorting the region through the notorious Sykes-Picot Agreement and subsequent partition plans that fractured the region.
According to The Hill, the statements came during an off-the-record briefing following President Trump’s signing of an executive order lifting sanctions on Syria — part of the administration’s effort to launch a diplomatic track between the new Syrian government and the Israeli occupation.
‘Lines Drawn Are Just Illusions’
The official explained that the borders drawn in 1948, 1967, and 1974 are “nothing but illusions,” describing them as temporary lines created by fleeting geopolitical realities. “The Trump administration never aimed to define borders,” the official said, “but to build mutual trust in a region long torn apart by boundary disputes.”
These key dates — 1948, 1967, and 1974 — mark decisive moments in Israel’s wars: the 1948 Nakba, the 1967 War in which the Syrian Golan Heights were occupied, and the 1973 war.
“The dividing line does not matter as much as who stands on either side,” the official added. “If there is no trust between the parties, no peace deal will hold, regardless of its lines.”
A ‘Sinai-Style Agreement’
The official argued that what is needed is an agreement similar to the historic Sinai Accord between Israel and Egypt, calling for a departure from ideas that have failed for a century. “It is time to think of new solutions,” he said.
When pressed on the Trump administration’s vision for Israel’s future borders, the official declined to reveal any clear stance. “We don’t care about the blue line, red line, or green line,” he said. “Agreements from 1967, 1974, or 1979 — they’re endless details. What we want is for the warring sides to sit down and understand each other. We’ll help if we can.”
Reviving the Ottoman Model
The official also rejected the modern nation-state model, highlighting how the Ottoman Empire governed diverse populations by allowing local regions to manage their own affairs within a centralised legal system. “Nation-states have not proven successful,” he said. “The future may require a new model.”
Scepticism Toward Syria’s New President
The official voiced concerns about Israel’s lack of trust in Syria’s new president, Ahmad Al-Shara, who is still classified by the United States as a terrorist despite overthrowing the Assad regime. Israel has continued to carry out military strikes inside Syria, especially in Damascus, citing security threats.
The official concluded by stating that President Trump’s primary goal is “to end hostilities, achieve peace and prosperity, and create real hope for these peoples to begin a new dialogue.”
The wars In the region be stopped.Fostering peace, value of lives& decrease of blood splitting be put to end.
Israeli military build along with Iran&all bases piles and terrorists engagement by all concerned be put to an end.
Middle East Will be more useful to world in peace than in wars
First consider israel, gaza n westbank as one. Then divide into two wirh division lines agreed by all. One for palestinians and one for israel. Once this is established, the two countries must have their own sovereignity. No country must meddle with the other. Live in peace and harmony.