Syria Enters Security Talks with Israel to Restore Pre-December Borders
Damascus (TrustedPakistan.com):
President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria confirmed that negotiations are underway with Israel to reach a security agreement. The deal would entail Israel withdrawing from areas it moved into after the December upheaval that removed Bashar al-Assad. ARY NEWS
Background & Context
- Following the fall of Assad on December 8, Israeli forces deployed to the UN buffer zone on the Golan Heights — a region established as a separation line between Israeli and Syrian forces since a 1973 armistice.
- Despite repeated air strikes by Israel on Syrian targets and incursions deeper into southern Syria, the new Syrian government has so far not formally responded to those attacks.
What Syria Claims & What’s Being Negotiated
- President Sharaa, speaking on state television channel Alekhbariah, said that Syria is engaged in “dialogue and negotiations” for a security deal aimed at restoring Israel’s presence back to what it was before December.
- He stressed that although Israel believes Syria has violated the 1974 disengagement agreement following Assad’s fall, Syria has maintained its commitment to that accord from the beginning.
Key Diplomatic Moves
- Last month, Syrian state media reported that Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in Paris. Discussions focused especially on de-escalation and the volatile situation in Sweida province, a region with a Druze majority, which has recently witnessed sectarian clashes.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged these talks, which include the possibility of southern Syria being demilitarized.
Role of Russia & Strategic Considerations
- Sharaa also revealed that during the offensive which led to Assad’s fall, Syrian forces entered into secret negotiations with Russia. He said that when Syrian forces reached Hama, they coordinated with Russia; in later battles around Homs, Russia refrained from participation due to an agreement.
- Both the Russian naval base at Tartus and the air base at Hmeimim remain critical strategic positions. Syria has been careful not to compromise Russian interests, particularly around Hmeimim.
Implications & What to Watch For
- If a security deal does lead to Israel withdrawing to pre-December lines, this could reshape the balance of power in southern Syria and the Golan Heights.
- Demilitarization in key areas may reduce tensions, though implementation will likely face logistical, political, and security challenges.
- Syria’s lack of formal diplomatic relations with Israel, and years of hostilities, mean that trust, verification, and third-party monitoring will play big roles.
