Col. (res.) Dr. Jacques Neria, a former senior IDF intelligence officer at the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs, argues that the time has come for Israel to reexamine the diplomatic channel with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, citing Hezbollah's refusal to disarm as a driver for broader regional solutions.
Col. (res.) Dr. Jacques Neria, a former senior IDF Military Intelligence officer and researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs (JCFA), publicly called for Israel to resume negotiations with Syria. In remarks published Friday afternoon, Neria argued that Hezbollah's declared refusal to disarm requires Israel to think beyond the Lebanese arena.
"It's time to settle matters with Ahmad al-Sharaa," Neria said, noting Sharaa had consistently sought talks on security arrangements. He added that advanced contacts between Israel and Syria did take place as early as 2025, including economic components. Neria assessed that renewed dialogue could create new leverage against Hezbollah and shift the balance on the northern front.
A separate statement by Neria, also published Friday, sharply criticizes the emerging U.S.-Iran deal, arguing that Washington's insistence that Israel refrain from responding in Lebanon — under Iranian pressure — transmits weakness and strengthens Hezbollah. "The price of gas at the pump is more important than the security interests of Israel, Lebanon, and the Iranian people themselves," he said.
As The Zioneer has reported on multiple occasions since June 12 (BACKGROUND), the emerging Trump-Iran deal has raised concern in Jerusalem over constraints on Israeli freedom of action against Hezbollah and potential U.S. pressure for withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
- DevelopingIsrael and Lebanon set for next round of talks as Trump urges 'softer touch' toward Hezbollah
- StrongSyrian president al-Sharaa rejects US proposal to confront Hezbollah militarily in Lebanon, citing concern over perception and unmet Israeli demands
- StrongIsraeli analysts warn: US policy shift requires greater Israeli self-reliance
- StrongTrump says Syria 'would be happy' to handle Hezbollah, Lebanese president to visit Washington
Source and signal
- Internal intake