Progress made in security talks with 'Israel', says Al-Sharaa

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on Sunday that the Syrian delegation and representatives of the 'Israeli' occupation are making progress in ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a bilateral security agreement.

Speaking at a press conference, al-Sharaa said there were “tangible steps” toward new agreements, stressing that he “will not hesitate to take any decision that serves the interests of Syria and the region.”

Return to 1974 disengagement line

The president explained that discussions are based on a return to the disengagement line separating Syrian and occupation forces in the occupied Golan Heights, established in 1974 following the disengagement accord.

Al-Sharaa also highlighted the importance of economic integration in the Middle East, noting that Damascus will approach positively any initiative that advances the interests of Syria and the wider region.

Syrian–'Israeli' meeting in Paris

On August 20, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani held talks in Paris with Ron Dermer, the occupation’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, in a meeting mediated by the United States.

The two sides reportedly discussed joint measures to ease tensions in Sweida province and bolster stability in southern Syria, alongside mechanisms to revive the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Expansion of 'Israeli' presence in Golan

The talks come as the occupation tightens control over the Golan Heights, which it has held since 1967. Following the ouster of the former Syrian regime in late 2024, 'Israel' expanded its grip on the territory.

Reports indicate that for the past seven months, 'Israeli' forces have maintained control over Mount Hermon and a security strip up to 15 kilometers deep in parts of southern Syria, exerting authority over more than 40,000 Syrians inside the buffer zone.