Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has declared that the path to diplomacy with Israel remains open, urging the nation to seize what he described as a “historic opportunity.” In an interview published Sunday, al-Shaibani expressed his expectation that negotiations regarding a security agreement—which would facilitate an Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory—will resume in the near future.
These diplomatic efforts were effectively suspended following the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, and currently, no specific timeline has been established for their resumption. Al-Shaibani emphasized that while Damascus remains open to dialogue, the primary objective is to halt ongoing Israeli military operations. “We believe there should be contact, especially with a party that constantly threatens the security of Syria. But if this contact doesn’t bring results, then we don’t need it,” he stated, adding firmly, “We do not trust Israel currently.”
The United States has spent over a year attempting to mediate a security framework between Israel and the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. However, progress has been hindered by Israel’s continued military incursions and strikes on Syrian government assets, which officials in Jerusalem justify as necessary security measures. The Israeli prime minister’s office did not provide a response when asked for comment regarding the minister’s remarks.
Since the 2024 ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad, Israel has occupied portions of southwestern Syria and conducted numerous airstrikes against military installations, citing the need to protect its citizens. Al-Shaibani dismissed this approach, arguing that Israel’s reliance on “brute force” has failed to achieve its security goals. He noted that the US is currently applying pressure on Israel to return to the negotiating table, though he admitted that betting on Israel’s commitment remains difficult.
Tensions were further exacerbated last week when Israel bombed the Abu al-Duhur airbase, alleging that Syria intended to permit a Turkish military deployment at the site—a claim both Damascus and Ankara have denied. Al-Shaibani confirmed that Syria maintains military training and cooperation ties with Turkiye, as well as with Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and intends to continue accepting such support for its military reconstruction.
Regarding the proposed security deal, al-Shaibani revealed that earlier this year, both sides had reached a tentative agreement on paper. The plan included the creation of specific security zones near the border, including a UN-monitored buffer zone and areas for Syrian military deployment. He accused Israel of attempting to evade the implementation of these terms, suggesting a lack of genuine intent to finalize the agreement.
The status of the Golan Heights remains a major point of contention. While Syria and Israel have been in a technical state of war since 1948, with Israel occupying the Golan Heights since 1967, al-Shaibani suggested that the immediate priority is to stop Israeli aggression. He noted that once security is established, the broader issues of peace and the status of the Golan could potentially be addressed. However, Israeli officials have consistently indicated they have no intention of returning the territory to the al-Sharaa government.
Meanwhile, US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, is working to establish a mechanism to prevent further conflict between Israel, Turkiye, and Syria. Al-Shaibani stated that while no agreement has been reached on this mechanism, it must focus on ending attacks rather than “entrenching Israeli occupation.” The report also notes that saying confidence-building steps were needed in this direction, al-Shaibani also stressed that Damascus’s priority is to halt Israeli attacks. The report also notes that al-Sharaa has said Syria poses no threat to other countries and that it is instead focused on rebuilding after 14 years of civil war. The report also notes that with several last year criticising the new government, even as al-Sharaa worked to strengthen ties with Washington, israeli officials have talked about a range of potential dangers in Syria. The report also notes that al-Shaibani said: “It’s very hard to bet on Israel.” But Syria had “very great hope” of building stable relationships with its neighbours, asked how optimistic he was that talks would resume. The report also notes that “Syria is extending its hand for understandings, for peace, for diplomacy” and regional stability. The report also notes that instead of violating its airspace and conducting raids and arrests in the south of the country, al-Shaibani said Syria respected Israel’s security concerns but that it must also respect those of Damascus.