Netanyahu Confirms Progress In Syria Talks, But Says Security Deal Still Far off

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that while there has been progress in security negotiations with Syria, a final agreement remains distant.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

During his cabinet meeting address, Netanyahu indicated that recent military successes against Hezbollah have created new diplomatic opportunities with neighboring countries, including Syria.

"The discussions with Syria show some progress, though we still have considerable distance to cover," he stated. "These negotiations with Syria, alongside our communications with Lebanon, would have been impossible without our decisive military victories on the northern front and elsewhere."

This statement follows Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's Wednesday remarks that ongoing security negotiations with Israel might yield results "in the coming days."

Al-Sharaa emphasized that a security agreement is a "necessity" but must respect Syria's airspace sovereignty and territorial integrity, with United Nations oversight.

The negotiations aim to establish an arrangement that would potentially end Israeli airstrikes in Syria and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces that have advanced into southern Syrian territory.