Syrian President Seeks Security Agreement with Israel Amid Rising Tensions in Daraa Region

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated in a Sunday interview with Al Jazeera that he aims to reach a security agreement with Israel that would pave the way for comprehensive peace, despite recent escalations along the border. He emphasized Syria's avoidance of conflict with Israel, saying, "We have no interest in confrontation," and highlighted ongoing efforts involving multiple countries to achieve this agreement without compromising Syria's claim to the Golan Heights.

Al-Sharaa also addressed Lebanon, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion of Syrian military intervention there. He said Syria is working with the Lebanese government to stabilize the country through non-military means, supporting Lebanon's state monopoly on weapons and decisions about war and peace. He expressed concern about escalating regional conflict and noted that lifting economic sanctions on Syria depends on removing it from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) advanced into the western rural area of Daraa province, entering the villages of Ma'araya and al-Arda early Sunday. The IDF established a military checkpoint in al-Arda and distributed leaflets warning locals against blocking roads or interfering with Israeli forces, stating, "We will continue to act by all means to defend Israel." Syrian state media also reported Israeli artillery shelling near the village of Tranja in Quneitra.

The Lebanese army accused the IDF of ongoing attacks and violations in southern Lebanon, including house demolitions, shelling, and machine-gun fire in several villages. It also reported Israeli destruction of water projects and agricultural lands. Lebanese forces are monitoring the return of residents to the town of Zotar al-Gharbiya and surrounding villages, areas recently transferred to Lebanese control under an agreement, but Israeli attacks are hindering full deployment and stability.

During a government meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that Israel has not withdrawn from areas where it had no troops and maintains its original security zone. However, maps show that Zotar al-Gharbiya lies within the "yellow line" security zone. The Lebanese army now controls several villages outside this line, including Furun and Sarifa, where Israel retains observation and fire control without ground forces. Last week, Lebanese military vehicles entered these villages alongside armored units, marking a significant shift in control as part of the U.S.-brokered agreement.