Israel Signals Openness to Syria Deal but Insists on Strict Security Guarantees

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel is prepared to reach a diplomatic arrangement with Syria’s new regime, but only under conditions that firmly protect Israel’s security and prevent the rise of new threats along its northern border.

Netanyahu delivered the remarks during a visit to Sheba-Tel Hashomer Medical Center, where he met with reserve troops from Brigade 55 who were wounded in last week’s counter-terrorism clashes in southern Syria. Praising the soldiers as “IDF heroes,” he emphasized that the October 7, 2023, massacre reshaped Israel’s security doctrine and reinforced the need for proactive defense measures.

The prime minister said Israel remains committed to preventing hostile forces — including Sunni Islamist factions now active in post-Assad Syria — from entrenching themselves near Israeli communities or threatening the country’s long-standing Druze partners. Jerusalem, he stated, expects Damascus to accept a demilitarized corridor stretching from the Syrian capital toward Mount Hermon and the Israel-held security zone.

“We hold these areas to ensure the security of Israeli citizens,” Netanyahu said. “In good spirit and with an understanding of these principles, it is possible to reach a deal with the Syrians — but we will stand by our principles in any case.”

Heightened Tensions After Clashes in Southern Syria

Last week’s raid in the Beit Jinn region targeting operatives from the Jamaa Islamiya terror group left six Israeli soldiers wounded, three of them seriously. IDF Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo said the incident underscored the necessity of preemptive action in the expanded security zone Israel has controlled since the Assad regime collapsed in December 2024.

“We cannot wait for the enemy to attack — we must be proactive,” Milo told soldiers during a training drill.

Israel has repeatedly rejected suggestions that it might relinquish the buffer zone as part of a negotiated settlement. Netanyahu reiterated last week that Israel must be ready to act “at any moment” to confront evolving threats from Syria.

Where Negotiations Stand

Talks between Israel and Syria, encouraged by the United States, stalled in September due to wide gaps between the parties. Syria is demanding a return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and a full Israeli withdrawal from areas seized following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel insists on a significant demilitarized zone, lasting security guarantees, and protections for the Druze population in Jabal al-Druze.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Damascus is “working diligently” toward a future agreement and emphasized that “Israel must maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria.” According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu spoke with Trump shortly after, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to dismantling Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and expanding regional peace efforts.

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