President Sharaa: Peace with Israel requires border withdrawal

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced that a comprehensive peace deal with Israel is contingent upon the latter's full withdrawal to the borders existing prior to December 8. He emphasized that the United States and several international partners align with Damascus's position on this critical issue.

Negotiation Status

Sharaa disclosed that Syria and Israel are conducting direct negotiations, which have advanced substantially. "We have made significant progress in these talks," he told The Washington Post. However, he clarified that achieving a final accord depends on Israel retreating to the pre-December 8 lines, a point he says is backed by Washington.

Regional Tensions

The Syrian leader accused Israel of expansionist policies, alleging that it has launched more than 1,000 airstrikes on Syrian territory since December 8, when former president Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia. "We have exercised restraint in the face of these aggressions to prioritize Syria's reconstruction efforts," Sharaa explained.

Diplomatic Outreach

Sharaa's statements follow his landmark meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader in almost 80 years. This engagement represents a shift in bilateral relations, as Damascus pushes for the full lifting of Caesar sanctions imposed in 2019 over human rights concerns.