The possibility of Israel and Syria renewing their long-frozen peace negotiations is a crucial development and, if bona fide, could bring stability to the region. It comes despite recent tensions between the two neighbouring countries, especially following Israel's air raid last September on a Syrian military facility.
While the details of the peace process are being kept under wraps, analysts say the terms are basic: a full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace. If true, that could really be considered a breakthrough.
The question must be asked though: Are these talks motivated by a genuine desire for peace or are they just intended to pull the wool over the international community's eyes?
After all, there is a school of thought in Israel (including the Likud party) which fully believes in the establishment and maintenance of Greater Israel, an area which encompasses the Golan Heights.
Turkey, the mediator in this case, is said to have guaranteed Israeli assurances that the Jewish state is willing to return the Golan Heights to Syria.
Israel seized the Golan from Syria in the Six-Day war in 1967 and annexed it in 1981 - a move that was never recognised by the international community. Syrian President Bashar Al Assad is insisting that Israel return all territory occupied by force.
Israel on the other hand, has said it wants to retain a small strip of Syrian land along the Sea of Galilee to maintain control over the water supply.
It is too early to deem the current peace talks either a success or failure. These talks could also be Israel's way of pleasing the US, which is aiming for a grand Middle East peace by the end of the year.
While it is hoped that Israel is serious about the current negotiations, it must be understood that in this region, talk of peace has always been just that: talk, and no action.
