**Title: President Ahmed al-Sharaa: Syria Seeking Security Deal with Israel**
**Date: July 26, 2026**
In a recent exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa disclosed that Syria is actively pursuing a security agreement with Israel, involving multiple countries in the negotiations. This initiative aims to establish a framework that could lead to broader peace in the region.
Al-Sharaa emphasized that any potential agreement would not undermine Syria's claim to the Golan Heights, a territory occupied by Israel since the 1973 war. He expressed hope that a security arrangement could facilitate a more comprehensive resolution to ongoing regional conflicts, particularly in light of recent Israeli military actions in southern Syria.
The president's comments come in the context of heightened tensions following his assumption of power in December 2024, after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. Al-Sharaa indicated that Syria is committed to avoiding direct military confrontations with Israel, suggesting that a security deal could serve as a stabilizing factor in the region.
In addition to discussing relations with Israel, al-Sharaa addressed the ongoing crisis in neighboring Lebanon. He categorically denied any intentions of military intervention by Syria, despite persistent rumors. Instead, he highlighted the importance of collaboration with Lebanese authorities to help navigate the country's challenges. The situation in southern Lebanon remains tense, with ongoing conflicts between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, which complicates the landscape further.
Al-Sharaa reiterated Syria's support for the Lebanese state’s efforts to regain control over its territories and emphasized the necessity of a unified approach to weapons management within Lebanon. He warned that any deterioration in Lebanon's stability could have immediate repercussions for Syria, especially amid fears of an expanded US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
On the domestic front, al-Sharaa discussed the impact of international sanctions on Syria's economy. He argued that simply lifting these sanctions would not suffice unless Syria is also removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This statement underscores the complexities of Syria's international relations and the challenges it faces in rebuilding its economy.
Furthermore, the president addressed the ongoing situation with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), acknowledging delays in the implementation of agreements with the group. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to reaching a successful resolution and maintaining cooperation with the SDF, which controls significant portions of northern and eastern Syria.
Al-Sharaa also announced the establishment of a special committee to address the issue of missing persons from the Syrian conflict, which has resulted in an estimated 100,000 enforced disappearances according to the United Nations. The Syrian National Commission on Missing Persons suggests that the actual number could be as high as 300,000. The new committee aims to operate in line with international standards and will collaborate with countries that have specialized expertise in this area.
As Syria navigates these complex issues, the potential security deal with Israel represents a significant shift in the country’s diplomatic approach, reflecting a desire for stability and peace in a region marked by conflict and uncertainty. The full details of al-Sharaa's interview will be broadcast later today, providing further insights into Syria's strategic objectives and regional aspirations.