Syrian President Expresses Readiness to Cooperate with Israel

Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has revealed that Damascus is actively working towards a security agreement with Israel, with the involvement of multiple nations. Al-Sharaa expressed his hope that such an accord would serve as a gateway to comprehensive peace, while emphasizing that Syria would not relinquish its rights to the occupied Golan Heights.

This initiative follows a series of Israeli incursions into southern Syria since al-Sharaa assumed power in December 2024, after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government. These frequent border violations have caused significant concern in Damascus. "If the security agreement is successful and Israel commits to the security aspects, as will Syria, including adhering to all the provisions of any agreement that may be reached later, then this will open the way for the second stage of negotiations for comprehensive peace, without sacrificing Syria's rights to the occupied Golan Heights," the Syrian president stated.

Israel currently occupies a zone it calls a temporary security zone beyond the Bravo Line, within the Syrian buffer zone, with no signs of withdrawal. Nevertheless, the Syrian government has expressed its readiness for further negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace between the two nations. Al-Sharaa also clarified that Syria has no intention of intervening militarily in neighboring Lebanon, despite persistent rumors. Instead, his administration is exploring ways to assist Lebanese authorities in navigating their current crisis and moving towards stability.

Lebanon's southern region is currently occupied by Israel amid ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The Lebanese government is striving to regain control of occupied territories and assert exclusive authority over all domestic weaponry. Furthermore, al-Sharaa voiced strong support for restricting private gun ownership and consolidating decision-making authority regarding war and peace exclusively within the Lebanese state.

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If the security agreement is successful and Israel commits to the security aspects, as will Syria, including adhering to all the provisions of any agreement that may be reached later, then this will open the way for the second stage of negotiations for comprehensive peace, without sacrificing Syria's rights to the occupied Golan Heights.