Damascus, Baghdad – Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, has reportedly called on the United States to pressure Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone in Syria, including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. The report, published by Kan 11, also noted that Israeli authorities have denied receiving any formal communication on the matter. A senior security official stated that Israel “will not compromise its security” in response to the alleged request.
Sharaa’s appeal comes as Syria signals a shift in its diplomatic tone. Maher Marwan, Damascus’ new governor, told NPR that Syria seeks peace and harbors no hostility toward Israel or any other nation. “We have no plans to interfere with anything that could undermine Israel’s safety. Our people yearn for coexistence and peace,” Marwan said, suggesting that Israel’s presence in the buffer zone may stem from “natural caution.”
US recognition of Syria’s new government?
The Biden administration is reportedly considering formal recognition of Syria’s new leadership. According to sources, this announcement could come before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This marks a significant shift, as the US previously offered a $10 million bounty for Sharaa due to his role in al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch.
In recent talks with a visiting US delegation, Sharaa pledged to stabilize Syria’s political and economic situation and assured freedom of religious practice for Christians under his governance.
Israel’s “Operation Heavy Roads” in Syria
Meanwhile, Israel maintains its actions in Syria, including the buffer zone, are critical to national security. Earlier this week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the successful execution of “Operation Heavy Roads,” which involved a raid on an Iranian missile facility in Syria.
On September 8, over 100 soldiers from the IDF’s Shaldag special forces unit dismantled the underground facility, engaging in multiple firefights with Syrian guards. Israel continues to underscore the necessity of such operations to counter regional threats.
