Prime Minister Israel Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the agreement with Syria becomes “realistic” if Damascus agrees to create demilitarized neutral zone from the capital of the country to the surrounding areas Mount Ermon and adjacent areas.
The statement came a day after the US President Donald Trump stressed the importance of maintaining “direct and real dialogue” between Israel and the Syrian leadership amid Washington’s efforts to achieve non-aggression pact between two countries.
Syria does not formally recognize Israelwhich has held more Syrian territories since late 2024, including Golan Heightsoccupied in 1967 and subsequently annexed. This decision is recognized by the United States, but not by most countries in the world.
According to Netanyahu, Damascus is expected to create “completely neutral zone” with the ability to control the approaches to Ermon. “We hold these territories for the safety of Israeli citizens, and this is what obliges us,” the prime minister noted.
He added that with “good will” it is possible for the parties to reach an agreement with the Syrian side, but Israel “will stick to its principles in any case.”
Trump, in turn, supports the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sarah. Israel has previously expressed doubts due to Sarah’s past ties to Islamic extremism, but says it is ready to participate in diplomatic efforts.
Amid the negotiations, the situation on the ground remains tense: according to Syrian media, An Israeli strike in southern Syria killed 13 people on Friday. The Israeli army said the target was a group linked to Lebanese Islamist militias.
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