Israel pursues security deal with Syria despite ongoing occupation—FM
In remarks made during a televised interview, he argued that an arrangement between Israel and Damascus could serve the interests of both sides, stating: “We have never had territorial ambitions in Syria; otherwise, we could have taken more land.”
Following the removal of Syria’s former ruling authorities on Dec. 8, 2024, Israeli forces widened their presence in southern Syria and carried out air operations against what were described as remaining military assets linked to the former regime, according to reports.
The foreign minister sought to justify Israel’s continued deployment by claiming it was intended to prevent Syrian territory from being used to stage attacks against Israel.
Despite repeated international demands for a withdrawal, Israeli forces have pushed their occupation in the Syrian Golan Heights further inward, extending as far as 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from Damascus, according to reports.
He also said Israel is interested in normalizing relations with Lebanon, even as cross-border strikes have continued following a ceasefire agreement reached on Nov. 27, 2024. He added that such normalization would depend on the “elimination of Hezbollah.”
While describing differences with Beirut as “limited and resolvable,” he rejected accusations that Israel has violated Lebanese sovereignty, according to reports.
Addressing the situation in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have continued for two years and persisted even after a ceasefire was announced in October, he said he hoped the truce would endure. However, he claimed that the continued military presence of Hamas stands in the way of a permanent settlement.
According to reports, despite the absence of any threat from the Syrian government, Israeli forces have repeatedly entered Syrian territory and carried out airstrikes that have killed civilians and destroyed military facilities, vehicles, weapons, and ammunition.
Official Syrian data indicates that since December 2024, Israel has conducted more than 1,000 airstrikes across the country and launched over 400 ground incursions into southern provinces.
After the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in late 2024, Israel further expanded its hold over the Syrian Golan Heights by taking control of a demilitarized buffer zone, a move that violated a 1974 agreement between Syria and Israel, according to reports.
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