Syrian President Says Security Agreement Talks With Israel Could Lead to Comprehensive Peace

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa revealed in an interview with Al Jazeera on July 26, 2026, that behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to reach a security agreement with Israel. He emphasized that this potential agreement involves a group of countries and, if successful, would pave the way for a 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 plans for such action. He stated that Syria does not intend to engage militarily in Lebanon, advocating instead for a comprehensive approach to the Lebanese crisis. He expressed concern that chaos in Lebanon could directly affect Syria and stressed support for Lebanon's state's monopoly on arms and sovereign decision-making regarding peace and war.

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

Syrian sources told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Modon that Damascus views Trump's attempts to draw Syria into open conflict with Hezbollah as unrealistic and not part of current strategic calculations, given the severe consequences. Syria's priorities remain focused on securing its borders, dismantling organized arms and drug smuggling networks, and supporting Lebanon's sovereign decision-making.

This marks another instance of al-Sharaa responding to Trump’s proposals, reiterating Syria’s preference for stability and diplomatic solutions over military interventions in the region.