Syrian President Says Damascus Seeks Security Deal with Israel

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a revealed that Damascus is actively working towards a security agreement with Israel, a process involving several nations. In an interview with Al Jazeera, al-Shar'a stressed that this potential accord would not jeopardize Syria's claim to the Golan Heights, a territory captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed, a move not recognized by most of the international community.

The Syrian leader indicated that his government aims to prevent any conflict with Israel, suggesting that a security agreement could pave the way for a broader resolution of the crisis. This statement follows months of Israeli incursions and airstrikes in southern Syria, which have continued since al-Shar'a assumed power in December 2024 after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.

Al-Shar'a also addressed regional concerns, confirming that Syria has no plans for military intervention in neighboring Lebanon, despite persistent rumors. He stated that the Syrian government is discussing ways Lebanese authorities could assist Syria in overcoming its current crisis and moving toward stability. Southern Lebanon remains partially under Israeli occupation following prolonged clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

Furthermore, al-Shar'a expressed strong support for the principle that the right to possess weapons and make decisions regarding war and peace should rest exclusively with the Lebanese state. This stance comes as the Lebanese government seeks to regain control over its territories and establish a monopoly on the use of arms nationwide.

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pravo na posedovanje oružja, kao i donošenje odluka o ratu i miru, bude isključivo u nadležnosti libanske države.