Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa revealed in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera that Damascus is actively working toward a security agreement with Israel alongside a coalition of international partners, a framework he noted could eventually open the door to a comprehensive peace deal.
Al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria seeks to avoid multi front conflicts or direct military escalation with Israel. His calculated statements arrive following suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump that Syria take responsibility for countering Hezbollah operations within Lebanese territory.
"President Trump expressed concern over events in Lebanon and seeks an end to the war there. He discussed Syria's potential role in securing a resolution, but those remarks were misconstrued as though Syria intends to invade Lebanon tomorrow morning", al-Sharaa explained. He added, "We have a deep issue with Hezbollah, but we do not want all of Lebanon to suffer".
The Syrian leader ruled out any military intervention in Lebanon, stressing that Beirut cannot remain trapped between civil strife and conflict with Israel. "Lebanese Shiites require calm, not further intimidation and confrontation", al-Sharaa noted, asserting that regional shockwaves in Lebanon directly impact Syrian stability.
Ahead of his White House summit with President Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed regional developments on Monday, stating, "We are living in complex times, requiring firm action and a committed effort to expand the circle of peace".
