Netanyahu: A deal with Syria for a neutral demilitarized zone is possible

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that an agreement with Syria is possible and that he expects Syrian authorities to create a demilitarized and neutral zone, from Damascus to Mount Hermon and other surrounding areas.

His statement came a day after US President Donald Trump, whose administration is working on a non-aggression pact between the two countries, stressed the importance of Israel maintaining a "strong and real dialogue" with Damascus.

Syria, which does not officially recognize Israel, has lost more territory to it since December 2024. Israel took control of the Golan Heights during the 1967 war and then annexed them, a decision recognized by the US but not by most other states.

"What we expect from Syria is the creation of a neutral and demilitarized zone from Damascus to the neutral border, including the axis towards Mount Hermon and the Hermon peak," Netanyahu said during a visit to wounded soldiers in central Israel.

"Today we hold these areas to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel, and this is our obligation," he added.

Netanyahu stated that with "good will and understanding of these principles" an agreement with Syria is feasible, but Israel, according to him, "will not give up its principles under any circumstances."

President Trump supports the new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sarra, while Israel has expressed doubts about Sarra's past ties to Islamic extremism. However, Tel Aviv says it remains committed to diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, Syrian state media reported that 13 Syrians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Syria on Friday. The Israeli military said it had targeted a group of militants from an Islamist organization based in Lebanon. Today, Netanyahu visited Israeli soldiers wounded in the clash.

Happening now...

00:00 crossword

Free scheme December 5

23:16 POLITICS

"You and I, Grida, haven't spoken to each other," Braçe gets emotional: My mother tells me you haven't increased my pension in 12 years

23:14 HAPPENING NOW

Another teenager was killed, Martin Can's mother reacts: Don't take our children away

23:04 POLITICS

'The only flag that doesn't know who raised the flag', Bido-Nokas: How much does your suit cost, it's my wealth

22:59 POLITICS

Salijanj/Prençi Movement: Supported by dignified figures in the DP!

22:52 POLITICS

"I can't accept it"/ Braçe comes out against the Minister of Finance: They are favoring large companies that owe the state debts

22:44 POLITICS

Will he challenge Berisha for the post of DP leader? Salianji speaks

22:32 POLITICS

Preç Zogaj: Berisha must pave the way for the youth, he can never come to power again!

22:23 POLITICS

Mërtiri compares the pulpit halls in Durrës and Mirdita: At Salianji there were 30-year-olds, at Berisha there were only old people

22:14 POLITICS

"PD train with 2 locomotives?"/ Keltis Kruja: We are at a crossroads, the party leadership is inflated

22:13 POLITICS

Salianji responds to Berisha: I have held meetings with the structures, the DP should be reformed

22:11 POLITICS

Salianji "stabs" Berisha: Rama does not fall down with music under the office

22:04 POLITICS

"Salianji" Movement/ Journalist: Former MP sought a position in the DP after being released from prison

21:58 POLITICS

The new Salianji-Alimehmeti/Andi Bushati rostrum: Quixotic, Berisha has a bunker party, he doesn't want the help of these...

Want to read more news