Syrian President Al-Sharaa Reveals Security Talks with Israel and Plans for Druze Control
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa disclosed unprecedented details about his government's strategic intentions, including ongoing security negotiations with Israel involving multiple countries. Al-Sharaa acknowledged efforts to avoid conflict and reach a comprehensive peace agreement, while insisting on Syria's claim over the occupied Golan Heights. This implies a demand for Israeli withdrawal from southern Syria and a tacit agreement limiting Israeli military actions there, without full recognition of Israeli sovereignty or normalization akin to the Abraham Accords.
Beneath this diplomatic rhetoric, al-Sharaa outlined a domestic agenda focused on consolidating authoritarian control by suppressing opposition and minority groups. After quelling Kurdish and Alawite resistance, he aims to dominate the Druze population in the Suwayda region, even at the risk of violent confrontation, to establish an Islamic state. Other minorities' rights are being disregarded amid this hardline approach.
Al-Sharaa also sought to reshape his international image, distancing himself from his past leadership of an Al-Qaeda-linked group and portraying himself as pragmatic to Western and Gulf states. His goal is to lift sanctions, secure reconstruction funds, and gain legitimacy as Syria's president. Regarding Lebanon, he stated Syria has no plans for military intervention, supporting Lebanese sovereignty over arms and war decisions, warning that chaos there would destabilize Syria.
Experts warn that Syria remains a volatile front for Israel, especially with Hezbollah's weakening in Lebanon. The presence of extremist militias near Israel's border and al-Sharaa's intentions toward the Druze community pose significant security concerns. Analysts stress Israel must approach any future agreements cautiously, recognizing al-Sharaa's primary aim is regime survival and Islamic governance consolidation.
Summary: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa revealed ongoing security talks with Israel and outlined plans to assert control over the Druze minority, seeking peace without conceding the Golan Heights. He aims to strengthen his regime internally while distancing from extremist past ties, warning against instability in Lebanon. Israel faces heightened security risks from Syria's internal dynamics and militia presence near its border.
