Syrian president warns Israeli demands for demilitarization endanger the South

16:20

By: Sahili Aya

Syrian president warns Israeli demands for demilitarization endanger the South

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Charaa has warned that Israel’s insistence on establishing a demilitarized zone in southern Syria could place the country in a “serious and dangerous position.” Speaking at a conference in Doha, al-Charaa emphasized that Syria continues to uphold the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel, describing it as “fruitful,” and cautioned that new arrangements could destabilize the region.

The call for demilitarization comes amid ongoing tensions following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad by an Islamist coalition a year ago. Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes and incursions, deploying forces in the demilitarized area of the Golan Heights, extending beyond the 1974 demarcation line.

High-level talks over the summer between Israeli and Syrian officials, facilitated by Paris and Washington, aimed at a security agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded full demilitarization from southern Damascus to the 1974 line.

Al-Charaa criticized Israel’s position, noting that Syria suffers the attacks and questioning who should lead efforts for a buffer zone and troop withdrawal. The recent incursion by Israeli forces, which resulted in 13 deaths according to Damascus, has further heightened regional tensions.

The United States continues to engage in the discussions to address security concerns of both sides and support potential Israeli withdrawal, highlighting the international dimension of the conflict.