Syria signals interest in future security deal with Israel

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani called for a future security deal with Israel during an interview with *Euronews* on Wednesday, stating Syria seeks a ‘calm and comprehensive agreement’ that respects its sovereignty. He reiterated Syria’s desire for a security agreement, distinguishing it from normalization, which he said must not involve military force or provocation. Al-Shaibani criticized Israel for destabilizing Syria through strikes and control of southern territories since 2024, when Israeli officials abandoned the 1974 disengagement agreement following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. He accused Israel of targeting military and civilian infrastructure under false pretenses, demanding its withdrawal from areas captured after December 8, 2024. The remarks came as Syria and Israel engage in US-mediated talks to reduce border tensions and restore the UN-patrolled buffer zone. Al-Shaibani warned that regional conflicts, such as a potential war in Iran, could further harm Syria’s fragile economy as it rebuilds after years of war. Syria has appealed to the international community, including the European Union, for support in reconstruction efforts following the lifting of sanctions by the EU and the Trump administration. The government is also seeking to rebuild economic partnerships across the region amid ongoing challenges. Al-Shaibani highlighted Syria’s focus on economic recovery, noting that large-scale conflicts in the region would exacerbate economic instability. His comments reflect Syria’s delicate balancing act between diplomacy and defense amid lingering tensions with Israel.