Israel Proposes New Security Agreement with Syria

Two informed sources revealed that Israel has presented Syria with a detailed proposal for a new security agreement, which includes a map covering areas stretching from southwest of Damascus to the Israeli border, according to a report by the American news site Axios on Tuesday.

Upcoming Meeting in London

Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani are scheduled to discuss the proposal today in the British capital, London, in the presence of U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who is mediating between the two sides. This marks the third meeting in a series of trilateral discussions involving Syria, Israel, and the United States.

Progress Without a Final Agreement

According to the sources, the talks are making tangible progress, but reaching a final agreement remains distant at this stage.

Syrian Position

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa revealed last week that Damascus is engaged in negotiations with Israel for the withdrawal of its forces from areas occupied after the fall of the previous regime in December 2024. In an interview with state television, Al-Sharaa said: “We are currently in a phase of negotiations and discussion.”

He added that Israel “considered that with the fall of the regime, Syria had exited the 1974 Disengagement Agreement,” despite Damascus affirming its commitment to it from the outset. He clarified: “Now negotiations are underway on a security agreement that would return Israel to the status quo prior to December 8.”

Israeli Position

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in late August that his government was engaged in talks aimed at turning southern Syria into a demilitarized zone — a move he claimed would enhance stability and security along the border.

Background

It is worth noting that Syria and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and have officially been in a state of war since 1948. However, the two sides have held several sporadic meetings in recent months under U.S. sponsorship to discuss new security arrangements.