Syria's al-Sharaa: Security deal with 'Israel' is a necessity

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen + Israeli media
18 Sep 2025 02:36
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Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa says ongoing security talks with "Israel" may produce results soon under US mediation.

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In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syria's Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa receives the final version of the provisional electoral system for the People's Assembly, in Damascus, Syria, on July 27, 2025. (SANA via AP)

Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa revealed on Wednesday that ongoing security talks with "Israel" could yield results in the coming days, marking the most direct acknowledgment yet of progress in US-brokered negotiations.

Al-Sharaa stressed that any potential security agreement was a “necessity,” but conditioned its success on respecting Syria’s sovereignty.

“The agreement must guarantee Syria’s airspace and territorial integrity,” he stated.

While not ruling out broader outcomes, he underlined that “peace and normalization are not on the table now.” Instead, the discussions are focused strictly on security de-escalation and reaffirming commitments to existing ceasefire arrangements.

Reports of an extended London meeting

Israeli media outlets reported that a lengthy meeting took place in London between Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, with US envoy Tom Barrack mediating.

According to Israeli outlets, the five-hour meeting included Syria’s formal response to an Israeli proposal for a security agreement. The same reports, however, suggested skepticism in Tel Aviv, with i24NEWS noting that chances of reaching a deal in the near future had receded despite what it called “intensive intervention” by US President Donald Trump.

Talks amid ongoing aggression, occupation

These discussions come against the backdrop of persistent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, Israeli military occupation of several posts in southern Syria, and Israeli ground incursions. Publicly, Damascus has condemned Israeli interference and aggression, reiterating that southern Syria remains an integral part of the country.

The core issues under discussion include activating monitoring mechanisms for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, halting Israeli aerial violations, and establishing clearer security parameters. While "Israel" has demanded demilitarized zones and security guarantees, Syria has emphasized sovereignty and territorial unity as red lines.