In a recent exclusive interview with ZezapTV, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa outlined Damascus’ strategic intentions to pursue a security agreement with Israel aimed at fostering regional stability. Al-Sharaa emphasized the necessity of cooperation among various nations to facilitate peace, while concurrently affirming Syria’s unwavering claim to the Golan Heights, occupied since 1973. His remarks come amid ongoing efforts to navigate Lebanon’s multifaceted crisis and address significant domestic challenges.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has disclosed that Damascus is actively seeking a security agreement with Israel, seeking the involvement of multiple countries. In an exclusive interview on ZezapTV’s Al Muqabala program, which will air at 19:00 GMT, al-Sharaa expressed his optimism that this approach may serve as a crucial pathway to comprehensive peace in the region. He also assured that such an agreement would firmly uphold Syria’s rights concerning the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since the 1973 conflict.
Al-Sharaa highlighted that Syria aims to avoid military confrontation with Israel, suggesting that establishing a security arrangement could facilitate a broader resolution to ongoing crises. This pursuit follows a series of Israeli incursions and strikes in southern Syria that have persisted since al-Sharaa assumed office in December 2024 after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Turning to Lebanon, al-Sharaa reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to avoiding any military intervention in its neighbor, despite circulating rumors. Instead, he conveyed that his administration is engaging with Lebanese authorities to support the country in overcoming its current challenges and advocate for peaceful stability. Southern Lebanon remains under Israeli occupation, amid heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with the Lebanese government seeking to reclaim these territories and reassert its sovereignty over arms in the country.
The Syrian President articulated that addressing the Lebanese crisis necessitates more than superficial security measures; a comprehensive strategy addressing a multitude of issues is vital. He cautioned that any descent into chaos within Lebanon would have immediate repercussions for Syria, warning that escalating hostilities could amplify regional tensions, particularly regarding U.S.-Israeli conflicts with Iran.
On domestic challenges, al-Sharaa maintained that merely lifting U.S. and international sanctions on Syria would be ineffective unless the country is removed from the designation of a state sponsor of terrorism. Discussing the internal agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which governs parts of northern and eastern Syria, he acknowledged delays in its implementation but underscored the government’s dedication to the agreement.
Lastly, al-Sharaa announced the establishment of a special committee tasked with addressing the fate of individuals missing during Syria’s prolonged conflict from 2011 to 2024. Underlining the gravity of the situation, the UN estimates that around 100,000 people have been forcibly disappeared during the war, while the Syrian National Commission on Missing Persons suggests the number could be as high as 300,000. The committee will operate in accordance with international standards and in coordination with nations possessing expertise in this area.
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