Syrian President Pursues Security Deal with Israel

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has publicly stated his government is working with a group of countries to reach a security agreement with Israel, framing it as a potential pathway to comprehensive peace. The remarks were made in an interview with Qatar's Al Jazeera network, which aired on July 26, 2026. Al-Sharaa emphasized that any such agreement would not compromise Syria's claim to the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau Israel captured in 1967 and later annexed.

The president's comments come amid ongoing regional tensions and a significant diplomatic visit by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to Damascus. Guterres arrived in Syria on July 25, marking the first trip by a U.N. chief to the country since 2009. In a statement, Guterres called for respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and described violations by Israel of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement as unacceptable.

Al-Sharaa stated that Syria is actively avoiding confrontation with Israel and is instead pursuing a security arrangement through multilateral pressure. He did not specify which countries are involved in the effort. The proposal follows a period of heightened...