Syrian President Claims 90% Deal with Israel Before Withdrawal
Ahmed Al-Sharaa stated in New York that Syria and Israel nearly agreed on a security framework before Israeli conditions changed.
Key points
- Syrian President Al-Sharaa claims talks with Israel reached 90 percent agreement on a security framework before Israel withdrew.
- Damascus demands Israel withdraw to 1974 positions before security talks continue, asserting the Golan Heights are Syrian territory.
- Al-Sharaa stated Russian bases in Syria decreased from 170 to two, which are now used for Syrian military training.
Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa stated on Tuesday in New York that negotiations with Israel reached a 90 percent agreement on a security framework. He announced this during an Atlantic Council event. Al-Sharaa said Israel later pulled back from the deal.
The president attributed the withdrawal to additional conditions introduced by Israel. According to Al-Sharaa, direct talks began about a year ago with US involvement. He emphasized that Syria chose diplomacy despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes and territorial incursions.
Syria demands prior Israeli withdrawal
Al-Sharaa explained that Damascus demands Israel withdraw to 1974 positions first. He stated that security arrangements cannot proceed without this step. The president maintained that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory under UN recognition.
He argued that the status of the Golan is not open for negotiation. Al-Sharaa proposed an international committee to assess Israel’s security concerns. He suggested distinguishing genuine threats from perceived ones to facilitate future peace talks.
Shifts in regional military presence
The Syrian leader noted a significant change in Russian military presence. He stated that Russian bases in Syria fell from 170 to two. Al-Sharaa said these remaining sites are now training grounds for the Syrian military.
He also addressed Türkiye’s military bases in northwestern Syria. According to Al-Sharaa, these bases are moving toward a legal status. He mentioned that the People’s Assembly is endorsing this new arrangement.
Engagement with US leadership
Al-Sharaa recalled a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. He visited last November, becoming the first Syrian head of state to do so since 1946. The two had previously met in Riyadh in May 2025.
During their talks, Al-Sharaa joked about Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan. He told Trump he could not give away territory he did not own. The president used New Jersey as a humorous example in that exchange.
