Syria moves toward security deal with Israel

Syria is actively working with several countries to finalise a security agreement with Israel, a move President Ahmed al-Sharaa says could pave the way for broader and long-term peace between the two nations.

In an interview with Al Jazeera's Al Muqabala, Al-Sharaa said the proposed agreement aims to ease tensions and establish a framework for a stable and lasting relationship. However, he stressed that Syria's sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights is non-negotiable and will not be compromised under any deal.

Israel captured the Golan Heights during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and unilaterally annexed the territory in 1981, a move that remains unrecognised by most of the international community, which continues to regard it as occupied Syrian territory.

Al-Sharaa said his government is pursuing a policy of avoiding direct confrontation with Israel, arguing that a security arrangement could help reduce hostilities and prevent further escalation.

The initiative comes after Al-Sharaa assumed power following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024. Since then, Israeli military operations and airstrikes in southern Syria have intensified.

Addressing regional issues, the Syrian president said Damascus has no plans for military intervention in Lebanon against Hezbollah, adding that discussions are focused on supporting Lebanese authorities in addressing the country's ongoing challenges.

He also warned that instability in Lebanon would directly affect Syria's security and cautioned that escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran could trigger a wider regional conflict, further destabilizing the Middle East.