Syria’s Foreign Minister, Assad al-Shaibani, visited Lebanon on Thursday, where he met with leading officials, emphasizing that his government isn’t aiming for a military role in the country but may engage in discussions with Hezbollah.
This visit comes during an ongoing Israeli military campaign in Lebanon, which the Israeli government maintains will continue until Hezbollah poses no threat. Israel’s invasion, which started in February alongside a U.S. operation named “Operation Epic Fury,” still persists despite a memorandum signed in June to halt active conflicts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated emphatically this week that Israel will remain in southern Lebanon until the security threat is fully addressed.
In an effort to foster peace, Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement in late June, facilitated by the United States. The terms allow Israel to stay in designated “test zones” while gradually transitioning responsibilities to the Lebanese army, aiming to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its infrastructure. Officials have referred to this step as a critical measure in diminishing the violence in the region.
President Trump has shown his discontent with Israel’s operations in Lebanon and mentioned the possibility of Syria launching military actions against Hezbollah. Currently led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who rose to power in late 2024 after a long civil war involving jihadist factions, the Syrian government insists that it does not wish to resume war. Instead, it prioritizes rebuilding efforts requiring external financial support.
During his trip, Shaibani reiterated that Syria is not interested in invading Lebanon or overtaking Israeli military duties. In a conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, he declared that Syria’s focus lies in enhancing “economic cooperation” and supporting Lebanon’s stability without deploying troops.
“The message from President Ahmad al-Sharaa emphasizes our belief in the diverse fabric of Lebanon and our intention to establish formal ties with its government,” Shaibani stated. He condemned Israel’s actions, stressing that collaboration with Lebanon would form the foundation for expanding economic and security relationships.
Shaibani and Salam announced the formation of a “Joint Committee” aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors. Salam elaborated on the meeting’s goals, which include improving power connections, enhancing transportation, facilitating trade, and developing border relations between the two nations.
Shaibani also had discussions with Nabih Berri, the Lebanese parliament’s speaker, known for his connections to Hezbollah. After their meeting, he made it clear that there are no current plans to engage in talks with Hezbollah directly, but if future interests align, that may change.
He expressed the view that the issue regarding Israel and Lebanon should be handled internally, advocating for calm discussions that support Lebanon’s stability and interests.
In talks with President Aoun, there was a notable sense of relief that Syria does not seem inclined toward military intervention, despite prior assumptions. “President Ahmad al-Sharaa has reassured me that Syria’s role has shifted significantly,” Aoun commented. “We are entering a new phase where Syria will support all Lebanese rather than being aligned with one faction.”
Historically, Syrian governments have intervened in Lebanon, first in 1976, maintaining a persistent presence. Yet the Lebanese government has signaled it does not seek a repeat of such involvement.
A source noted that one of the visit’s priorities was addressing President Trump’s suggestions regarding Syrian military actions against Hezbollah, emphasizing that al-Sharaa would not pursue that route. However, Trump has openly criticized Netanyahu, proposing that Syria might be a better solution to handle Hezbollah given concerns around civilian casualties in Israeli operations.
“We shouldn’t demolish entire buildings while searching for individuals,” Trump remarked, unhappy with the way Israel has approached the situation with Hezbollah. “Perhaps allowing Syria to manage Hezbollah would yield better results since they are capable and have functioned well in preserving our interests.”
As of now, the Syrian government hasn’t publicly indicated any response to Trump’s remarks.
