Al-Shara: We are approaching a security agreement with Israel that restores the 1974 separation line

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara announced significant progress in the ongoing talks between the Syrian and Israeli delegations, aimed at developing a new bilateral security agreement.

In statements made during a press conference yesterday, Sunday, Al-Shara emphasized that his country "will not hesitate to make any decision or sign any agreement that serves Syria's interests," in a clear indication of the seriousness of moving towards new regional understandings.

Al-Shara confirmed that the essence of the agreement being negotiated is based on returning to the separation line between Syrian and Israeli forces in the occupied Golan Heights, which was established in 1974 following the disengagement agreement.

He pointed out that any future security arrangements will take this line as a basis for stabilizing the situation in the south of the country.

In a move reflecting a shift in Syrian regional policy, President Al-Shara expressed his support for the idea of economic integration among Middle Eastern countries, affirming his readiness to sign any agreement that would enhance the interests of Syria and the region as a whole, stating: "We are facing a new phase that requires bold and responsible decisions."

Regarding relations with Lebanon, Al-Shara expressed a desire to move beyond past conflicts, affirming that there are parties trying to "use the new Syria to settle scores with Hezbollah," but he stressed that his government refuses to be a party in such accounts, saying: "We look forward to writing a new history for Lebanese-Syrian relations... We do not threaten anyone and we are not a tool for anyone."

In the context of diplomatic efforts, the French capital Paris witnessed an unprecedented meeting on August 20 between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani and Israeli Strategic Planning Minister Ron Dermer, mediated by the United States.

The meeting discussed steps to reduce tension in the Sweida Governorate, mechanisms to enhance stability in southern Syria, as well as discussing the reactivation of the 1974 forces separation agreement and establishing a clear implementation mechanism for it.

This political and security movement comes amid a tense field reality, as Israel has continued its occupation of Mount Sheikh and areas of southern Syria for seven months, having established a security strip up to 15 kilometers wide in some areas, controlling more than 40,000 Syrians living within what is called the "occupied buffer zone."

Israel had expanded its occupation in southern Syria after the overthrow of the previous regime in late 2024, exploiting the chaos to entrench its control over additional areas in the occupied Golan, which it has controlled since 1967.

Amid this diplomatic and field momentum, regional and international circles are awaiting the results of the Syrian-Israeli talks, which could represent a decisive turning point in the decades-long conflict and open the door to a new security map in the Middle East.