Defying Israel, Syrian president rules out southern Syria demilitarization

Syrian President Ahmed Shara has definitively rejected Israeli demands for the disarmament of southern Syrian territories, asserting that such conditions are unacceptable in ongoing security negotiations between the two nations. During an interview with the Washington Post, Shara emphasized that while significant progress has been made toward a security agreement, Syria will not compromise its sovereign right to defend its southern regions against potential threats.

Border Demands and Security Concerns

President Shara insisted that Israel must withdraw to its pre-December 2024 positions as a prerequisite for any comprehensive security agreement, referencing the period before Syrian territory was occupied following the collapse of the previous government. The Syrian leader questioned the logic of demilitarization, asking "If chaos emerges in the south after disarmament, who will protect it? If demilitarized zones become bases for attacking Israel, who assumes responsibility?"

Criticism of Israeli Expansionism

The Syrian president criticized what he characterized as Israel's continuous expansionist policies, noting that Israel initially occupied the Golan Heights for "self-protection" before imposing conditions on southern Syria under similar pretexts. Shara warned that "in a few years, they might occupy central Syria to protect the south," comparing the situation to historical expansion patterns and asserting that post-revolution Syria poses no threat to neighboring countries.

Recent Israeli Incursions

Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continue in Syrian territory according to reports from Syrian news agency SANA. Israeli forces recently established checkpoints between Abu Gara and Suwayse villages in Quneitra province, restricting civilian movement. Additional incursions were reported in Samdaniyye and Mushayrife villages, with these barriers significantly impacting daily life and access throughout the region in violation of international agreements.