The Hebrew version of the Israeli daily Haaretz reports that the Israeli military leadership has been exerting enormous pressure at governmental level for an end to hostile relations with Syria.

Military sources said that reaching a settlement would change the strategic situation in the region in Israel’s favour by pushing Damascus out of the so called "axis of evil" which also includes Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas.

The sources point out that Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu should give serious consideration of reconciliation with Syria to minimize the threat faced by Israeli cities within range of missiles in the possession of this "axis”.

A cessation in hostilities between the two countries would serve as a significant blow to Hezbollah since Damascus functions as a transit for weapons reaching the Lebanese Shia militant group from Iran.

The sources further expect that any settlement with Syria would lead to the expulsion of Palestinian groups operating from Damascus.

The head of Mossad, Meir Dagan, who previously never showed any enthusiasm for a settlement with Syria, became one of its strongest advocates in hoping for a consequential strategic evolution.