Syria declines leaked Israeli plan for security agreement

Syria declines leaked Israeli plan for security agreement

 

1. Israeli Withdrawal: Gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Syrian territories occupied in recent months. Exception: Israel insists on maintaining its strategic position atop Mount Hermon (Golan Heights).

2. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Expansion of the buffer zone on the Syrian side by an additional 2 km. In the area closest to the Israeli border:

• Military forces and heavy weapons are prohibited.

• Only police and internal security forces are allowed (for civil security purposes).

3. No-Fly Zone: Designation of a comprehensive no-fly zone from southwest Damascus to the Israeli border for Syrian aircraft.

4. Hidden Strategic Objective (according to sources): To maintain an open air corridor through Syrian skies to Iran, facilitating potential future Israeli strikes against Iran.

5. Security Guarantees: No changes on the Israeli side of the border (i.e., no reciprocal Israeli demilitarization).

6. Negotiation Mechanism: U.S. mediation led by American envoy Thomas Barrack. Trilateral meetings (Israeli–Syrian–American) held in London and other locations.

7. Timing and Outlook: No imminent agreement appears likely. Israel is interested in holding a summit between Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (though the likelihood remains low).

8. Geographic and Security Division: Southwestern Syria (up to Damascus) would be divided into three security zones (similar to the Zones A, B, C model in Sinai). Each zone would have a different level of demilitarization and military presence based on its proximity to the Israeli border.

9. Agreement Model: The Israeli proposal is based on the 1979 Israeli–Egyptian peace agreement.

Al Jazeera quoted a Syrian official: 

• No security agreement with Israel can be discussed unless it withdraws to pre–December 8 positions.
• Any security agreement must be based on the 1974 disengagement accord. 
• Any understandings must guarantee Syria’s sovereignty and address repeated Israeli threats.

Axios reported on September 17: Israel intends to propose a security agreement to Syria in upcoming negotiations between the Syrian Foreign Minister and Israeli Minister Ron Dermer, following months of Israeli attacks culminating in the bombing of Syria’s staff building and the presidential palace area in Damascus on July 16, with no Syrian military response—only statements of condemnation.

Reuters quoted Druze sources on September 16: Israel is arming and paying salaries to around 3,000 Druze fighters organized by Hikmat al-Hajri under what is known as the National Guard to protect the province and maintain its security after Syrian security forces were expelled. Israeli helicopters regularly deliver supplies to the province. Meanwhile, the United States, Jordan, and the Syrian government today announced a roadmap to resolve the Suwayda crisis.

Syria news report