Syria-Israel Talks Advance: Al-Shara Cites U.S. Support as Precondition for Final Peace Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C: Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara has stated that U.S. President Donald Trump supports the Syrian demand for Israel to withdraw to its borders as they stood before December 8 of last year, a date that marked the fall of the Assad regime and a subsequent Israeli advance into Syrian territory.

In an interview with The Washington Post following his historic meeting with President Trump, al-Shara claimed that the U.S. leader will “push as quickly as possible” to reach a solution on the matter. The Syrian President described the demand for Israeli withdrawal as a precondition for a final peace agreement between the two long-time adversaries.

Al-Shara asserted that Syria and Israel are currently engaged in “direct negotiations” and have made “significant progress.” However, he stressed that a final resolution hinges on Israel rolling back its military presence to the pre-December 8 lines.

He argued that Israel’s advances into Syrian territory—following the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement after the Assad regime’s fall—stem from “expansionist ambitions,” not legitimate security concerns. Al-Shara pointed out that his government has already addressed Israel’s stated concerns by expelling Iranian militias and Hezbollah forces from Syria.

Al-Shara also dismissed proposals for a completely demilitarized zone, arguing it would be difficult to enforce and could lead to renewed chaos, stating, “Ultimately, this is Syrian land, and Syria should enjoy the freedom to act on its territory.” He accused Israel of a continuous pattern of expansion, noting, “Israel has occupied the Golan Heights to protect itself, and is now imposing conditions in southern Syria to protect the Golan Heights.”