Israel Demands Demilitarized Zone from Syria as Path to Potential Deal
Damascus, Syria – Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Tuesday that a peace agreement with Syria is possible, but hinges on the establishment of a demilitarized zone extending from Damascus to Mount Hermon. Netanyahu insisted this buffer zone must include access to both Mount hermon and its peak, according to a statement reported by reuters. despite the demand, he affirmed Israel’s commitment to defending its territory and ensuring the security of its citizens, stating, “With good intentions and understanding of these principles, it is possible to reach an agreement with Syria, but we will uphold our principles in any case.”
The ultimatum comes amid U.S.-brokered efforts to forge a non-aggression pact between Israel and Syria. President Donald Trump has urged Israel to maintain “a robust and honest dialog” with Damascus. While Syria does not formally recognize Israel, the two nations have a history of conflict, notably Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights – captured in the 1967 war and afterward annexed, a move recognized by the united States but not by most of the international community. The potential for a deal is further elaborate by Israel’s cautious stance toward Syria’s current leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, due to his past affiliations with Islamist militant groups.
Recent tensions were underscored by reported Israeli strikes in southern Syria on Friday, which Syrian state media claims resulted in the deaths of 13 Syrians.The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Lebanese Islamist militant groups operating in the area.
(tps/tps)