Netanyahu on Potential Syria Agreement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated on Tuesday that a non-aggression pact with Syria could be feasible, aligning with President Trump’s wishes, but only if the Syrian government agrees to set up a “demilitarized buffer zone.”
“What we expect from Syria is, of course, to establish a demilitarized buffer zone from Damascus to Mount Hermon and a buffer zone that encompasses the approach to the summit of Mount Hermon,” stated Netanyahu during a visit with a wounded Israeli soldier.
He emphasized the importance of these territories for the security of the Israeli people, asserting, “With goodwill and an understanding of these principles, it is possible to reach an agreement with the Syrians, but in any case, we will defend our principles.”
Netanyahu’s comments came in response to an unusual warning from Trump via his social media platform, Truth Social. On Monday, Trump expressed optimism about the developments under Syria’s new government. He noted that a year prior, dictator Bashar al-Assad had raised concerns regarding Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah, which could threaten Syria’s stability.
“The United States is very pleased with the results demonstrated by our hard work and determination in Syria. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the Syrian government continues on its intended path to build a prosperous nation,” Trump commented.
He also noted the lifting of stringent sanctions had been appreciated by Syria’s leaders and people.
Moreover, Trump highlighted the necessity for Israel to maintain open dialogue with Syria, ensuring that nothing hampers Syria’s journey toward prosperity.
Reflecting on relations, Trump praised Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda leader, stating he is “working diligently to ensure that good things happen” for both Syria and Israel.
Sharaa met with Trump at the White House on November 10, a first for a Syrian leader since Syria gained independence in 1946. Insiders suggested the Trump administration hoped for improved ties with Israel, potentially even incorporating Syria into Trump’s Abraham Accords peace initiative, though this would not advance without Israel withdrawing its forces from Syria.
Despite some disappointment at Sharaa’s distancing from the Abraham Accords, the acknowledgment of Israel’s valid security concerns about Hezbollah marked a positive note. However, Sharaa’s claims of having expelled Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups were strongly contested by Israeli and global military analysts.
Recently, 13 individuals were reported dead in the Syrian village of Beit Jin during Israeli military actions, aimed at capturing members of a Lebanese Islamist group known for attacks against Israel. The Israeli military faced significant resistance during the operation, with several soldiers injured in exchanges of fire.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli assault, labeling it a “criminal attack,” while local officials insisted there were no terrorists in Beit Jin, only civilians with rights to protect themselves.
Adding to the tension, Sharaa’s government expressed outrage over the attack, and UN officials described it as an unacceptable violation of Syria’s sovereignty.
Israeli officials remain skeptical of the Sharaa regime, viewing it as an unstable coalition potentially aligned with “jihadists.” The Israeli government deems ongoing military actions necessary to disrupt terrorist activity near the border, striving for a semblance of low-level conflict to prevent larger-scale attacks.
Meanwhile, Trump appears keen for Netanyahu to allow Sharaa a chance to stabilize the border situation. Netanyahu has advocated for a broad demilitarized zone stretching from Damascus to Mount Hermon, which could enable Sharaa to demonstrate commitment to peace with Israel.
In December 2024, following the fall of Assad’s regime, Israel established a buffer zone including the Golan Heights consistent with a 1974 ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces are currently stationed on Mount Hermon.
Netanyahu recently led a high-level Israeli delegation to the buffer zone, an action that provoked outrage from the Syrian government, which deemed Israel’s presence “illegal.” The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the visit as an effort to impose a reality that contradicts UN Security Council resolutions and continues Syrian territorial violations.
