Syria's al-Sharaa tells Trump Israel blocking regional stability by refusing to withdraw - report

Syria's President Ahmad al-Sharaa has claimed that Israel's refusal to withdraw from occupied territories is hindering stability in the region, according to a report by Lebanese outlet Al-Akhbar. During a discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump, al-Sharaa reportedly stated that Israel had refused to include the word 'withdrawal' in any agreement, halting negotiations when the issue was raised.

“

Israel refused to include the word 'withdrawal' in any agreement and halted negotiations when we raised the issue. As long as it refuses to withdraw, why should we sign an agreement with it?

Al-Sharaa further alleged that Hezbollah could not be disarmed unless Israel withdrew from Lebanon. He warned that any forceful disarmament attempt without such a withdrawal would plunge the region into chaos, a scenario he claimed Israel desires. The Syrian president's remarks highlight a key point of contention in regional diplomacy, linking Israeli presence in occupied territories to the broader issue of security and stability.

Echoing similar sentiments, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also reportedly met with Trump and emphasized the importance of an Israeli withdrawal from both Lebanon and Syria. Unnamed sources cited by Al-Akhbar reported Erdogan telling Trump that Israel "constitutes the primary cause of instability and undermines any political process aimed at containing Iran’s allies." Erdogan stressed that the withdrawal process should be completed before the end of the year and not be contingent on upcoming Israeli elections.

“

Hezbollah could not be disarmed until Israel withdrew from Lebanon, and that forceful disarmament would result in the region being plunged into chaos - which Sharaa claimed is what Israel wants.

The reports suggest a coordinated effort by Syria and Turkey to pressure the U.S. administration regarding Israeli policy in the region. Both leaders appear to be framing Israeli actions as the main obstacle to peace and stability, particularly in relation to Iran's influence and the status of groups like Hezbollah.

“

Israel constitutes the primary cause of instability and undermines any political process aimed at containing Iran’s allies.