Northern Peace Hopes
Could Israel Reach Peace With Syria? Netanyahu Points to Emerging Possibility
Netanyahu reveals progress in peace negotiations with Syria, citing military victories as catalyst. Potential agreement could include concessions on airstrikes and troop withdrawals.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is making progress in talks with Syria, suggesting that a peace agreement with both Damascus and Beirut could be a future possibility. The comments, made during a cabinet meeting, were reported by the Walla news site.
Netanyahu attributed the diplomatic opportunity to Israel's recent military actions.
"Our victories against Hezbollah opened a window to unimaginable possibilities, that’s the possibility of peace with our neighbors to the north," he was quoted as saying. He added that while "we’re conducting contacts and there has been certain progress with the Syrians," a full peace deal remains "a vision for the future."
The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a meeting this evening to discuss an emerging security agreement with Syria, according to an attendee's office who spoke with The Times of Israel. Damascus is reportedly seeking two key concessions: a halt to Israeli airstrikes and the withdrawal of Israeli ground troops who have advanced into southern Syria.