Full Breakdown
Israel and Syria Move Towards a Security Agreement Amid Tensions
9/21/2025, 3:49:54 AM
Ongoing Negotiations for a Security Pact
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene a meeting with seven ministers to discuss the advancement of a potential security agreement with Syria. This meeting is anticipated to take place on Sunday evening in Jerusalem, with expectations that a new accord could be announced during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, where both Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara will be present.
President al-Shara has indicated that Syria is negotiating a deal aimed at reducing tensions along their shared border, stating that an agreement could be reached “within days.” The talks have been ongoing for several months, facilitated by U.S. mediation, and are focused on establishing new border arrangements similar to the 1974 disengagement agreement that created a buffer zone between the two nations.
Historical Context and Current Dynamics
Syria and Israel have been officially at war since 1948, with the Golan Heights remaining a significant point of contention since Israel captured the territory during the 1967 Six-Day War. The recent shift in Syria's approach follows the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, which has led to a more conciliatory stance from the new Syrian leadership. Al-Shara has expressed a desire for peace, emphasizing that Syria is tired of conflict after over 13 years of civil war.
Despite these developments, Israel has maintained a military presence in southern Syria, conducting numerous airstrikes and ground incursions, citing self-defense concerns. Israeli officials have stated their intention to keep forces in the region to prevent hostile entities from establishing themselves near the border.
Key Figures and Their Positions
President Ahmed al-Shara has articulated that the security pact is a “necessity” for Syria, which seeks to halt Israeli airstrikes and secure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Syria. However, he has also expressed skepticism about Israel's commitment to any agreement, stating, “If you ask me whether I trust Israel, the answer is no.” Al-Shara has clarified that the current negotiations do not aim for normalization of relations or Syria's participation in the Abraham Accords.
Israeli officials, including Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, have indicated that while progress has been made, significant gaps remain between the two sides. Reports suggest that U.S. pressure is influencing the negotiations, with Washington urging Israel to compromise on certain demands to facilitate an agreement before the UN General Assembly.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding the negotiations, skepticism persists regarding the feasibility of a lasting agreement. Israeli sources have voiced concerns about the reliability of the Syrian regime, with one official stating, “We don’t really believe this regime, but a deal could prevent escalation and stabilize the situation on the border.” Additionally, ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Syria have raised questions about the sincerity of the peace efforts.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While some Israeli sources report significant progress in the talks, others caution that an agreement may not be imminent. Al-Shara has claimed that Syria is prepared to finalize a deal, but Israeli officials remain cautious, indicating that the situation is fluid and that the negotiations are not yet ripe for a formal signing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We could reach an agreement at any moment,” — Ahmed al-Shara, President of Syria
- “This agreement absolutely does not mean normalization or Syria joining the Abraham Accords.” — Ahmed al-Shara, President of Syria
- “We don’t really believe this regime, but a deal could prevent escalation and stabilize the situation on the border.” — Unnamed Israeli official
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the outcomes of these negotiations, which hold the potential to reshape the long-standing conflict between Israel and Syria.
