After Historic Meeting: Al-Julani Confirms Direct Talks with Israel

In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara expressed Syria’s desire for a peace agreement with Israel, contingent upon the return of the Golan Heights to the borders established before the 1967 War. He highlighted the role of the United States in facilitating negotiations, underscoring the importance of maintaining Syrian sovereignty.

Direct Negotiations with Israel

Al-Shara noted that Syria is currently engaged in direct negotiations with Israel, stating, “We have already reached some agreements.” However, he emphasized that any future agreement must ensure Israel’s withdrawal to the pre-1967 borders. He added, “Israel cannot continue to hold onto Syrian territory, and this is a minimum requirement for peace.”

The Syrian president criticized Israel’s past actions, claiming that the country violated previous agreements, particularly start from 1974, and expanded its presence in Syrian territories. Al-Shara pointed to the numerous Israeli strikes in Syria, which he claimed included direct hits on sensitive sites, such as the presidential palace and remnants of Syria’s air defense system.

Security Concerns and Israeli Expansionism

Al-Shara challenged Israel’s security rationale for retaining the Golan Heights, asserting, “Israeli expansion does not stem from security concerns but from a desire to extend its borders.” He also accused Israel of fabricating threats posed by forces such as Iran and Hezbollah, despite Syria’s efforts to mitigate their influence within its territory.

Praising U.S. support for facilitating Israel-Syria talks, Al-Shara expressed optimism about the potential for rapid progress in negotiations, particularly in light of President Trump’s stance on Syrian positions. “The whole world understands that Israel must return the territories it has occupied,” he remarked, while acknowledging positive discussions he has had with the U.S. on this matter.

Concerns Over Demilitarization

When asked about the possibility of demilitarizing the Golan region, Al-Shara was cautious. “Demilitarization of the entire area would be challenging because, in the event of chaos or an attack, who would guarantee our security?” he explained. “This is Syrian territory, and Syria is responsible for protecting its sovereignty.”

A Hopeful Yet Complex Path Ahead

Concluding his remarks, Al-Shara acknowledged the complexities involved in the ongoing conflict between Syria and Israel but maintained a cautious optimism about reaching an agreement. “We aspire for a deal, but it must include the return of the Golan Heights. Syria cannot agree to a peace treaty that does not restore its sovereignty over its territories.” Nstarttheless, he recognized that negotiations with Israel could be a long and intricate process.