Syrian President Says Security Agreement Talks Underway with Israel, Insists on Golan Rights

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa revealed in an interview with Al Jazeera on July 26 that behind-the-scenes efforts are ongoing to reach a security agreement with Israel. He emphasized that this agreement, involving a group of countries, could pave the way for comprehensive peace without Syria relinquishing its claims to the occupied Golan Heights.

Al-Sharaa also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for Syrian military intervention against Hezbollah in Lebanon, firmly rejecting any such action. He stated Syria has no intention of military involvement in Lebanon, advocating instead for a comprehensive approach to the crisis there. He warned that chaos in Lebanon would directly affect Syria and expressed support for Lebanon's state monopoly on weapons and sovereign decisions regarding peace and war.

The interview follows reports of a mid-July high-level meeting in Damascus between Syrian and American military officials, where the U.S. reiterated strict demands, particularly concerning foreign fighters and jihadists. Syria reportedly did not respond directly but consulted with Turkey and proposed initiatives to tighten control over its borders with Lebanon and Iraq and cooperate on arms seizures.

Syrian officials told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Modon that Damascus views Trump's attempts to drag Syria into open conflict with Hezbollah as unrealistic and not part of current strategic calculations, given the severe consequences. Syria prioritizes securing its borders, dismantling smuggling networks, and supporting Lebanon's sovereign decision-making.

This development highlights the complex interplay of regional security concerns, U.S. demands, Israeli apprehensions, and Syria's war-weary priorities, with ongoing diplomatic efforts aiming to stabilize the region without escalating conflicts.