Former Israeli Defense Minister alleges secret US‑backed Syria peace overture involving Ronald Lauder and Netanyahu

Former Israeli Defense Minister alleges secret US‑backed Syria peace overture involving Ronald Lauder and Netanyahu The passage provides a specific allegation that Netanyahu approved a covert meeting between American‑Jewish businessman Ronald Lauder and Syrian President Assad, suggesting a back‑channel peace initiative that could have major diplomatic implications. It names key actors, dates (August, October), and internal opposition, offering concrete leads for further investigation (e.g., Lauder’s trip records, US diplomatic cables, Israeli cabinet minutes). However, the claim is unverified, lacks direct documentary evidence, and similar back‑channel rumors have circulated before, limiting its novelty. Key insights: Netanyahu allegedly green‑lighted a Lauder‑to‑Assad meeting to discuss Israeli withdrawal from the Golan.; The meeting was reportedly intended to produce a detailed border map for a future peace deal.; Senior ministers Arik Sharon and Yitzhak Mordechai opposed the initiative, fearing it would become a binding negotiating record.