Syrian President al-Sharaa: Pursuing security agreement with Israel, no interest in confrontation

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has signaled a shift toward a diplomatic track with Israel, telling Al Jazeera on Sunday that Damascus is pursuing a security agreement that could eventually pave the way for a comprehensive peace. According to multiple Israeli media reports citing the interview, al-Sharaa stated that Syria is intentionally avoiding confrontation with Israel, noting that his administration has "no interest" in such a clash.

Security Framework and the Golan

The Syrian leader detailed that the proposed security agreement would involve the participation of a "group of countries," though he did not specify which nations are involved in the mediation. While expressing openness to a deal, al-Sharaa maintained a firm stance on territorial issues, stating that a successful security arrangement would not mean relinquishing Syrian claims to the Golan Heights, which he referred to as "occupied." This position aligns with prior reports that Damascus conditions deep diplomatic shifts on Israeli territorial concessions.

Rejection of Military Action in Lebanon

Addressing regional tensions, al-Sharaa explicitly ruled out Syrian military intervention in Lebanon. This statement appears to be a direct response to suggestions from the Trump administration that Syria could take a military role in confronting Hezbollah. Al-Sharaa stated that Syria has no intention of conducting military operations in Lebanon, arguing that the solution to the Lebanese crisis is not necessarily military and that any chaos in Lebanon would directly impact Syrian stability. He further expressed support for the Lebanese state's monopoly on weapons and its exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace.

Strategic Context

These remarks come amid a broader regional realignment. As The Zioneer reported earlier, the United States has been attempting to initiate direct talks between Israel and the new Syrian leadership. Al-Sharaa’s comments suggest a preference for a multilateral security framework over direct bilateral confrontation, even as the fundamental dispute over the Golan Heights remains a significant barrier to a formal peace treaty. For Israel, the prospect of a security agreement with Damascus represents a potential shift in the northern theater, though the sincerity of al-Sharaa's overtures remains subject to verification through actions on the ground.