RT.com
01 Jul 2025, 13:46 GMT+10
Earlier, the IDF attacked the country, claiming to be protecting the Druze population
Former warlord Ahmad al-Sharaa, who seized power in Syria last year, may abandon the country's claim to sovereignty over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in exchange for normalized ties with West Jerusalem, according to a report by Lebanese media.
Israel captured a large portion of the 1,800 square kilometer region of Syria's Quneitra Governorate during the 1967 war and effectively annexed it in 1981. Amid the turmoil during al-Sharaa's rise to power, the IDF seized additional territory.
The IDF has also carried out multiple airstrikes against Syrian troops loyal to the current government, which West Jerusalem said were intended to protect the local Druze population, an ethnoreligious minority community which inhabits the contested region.
Lebanese broadcaster LBCI reported Monday that the two countries could normalize relations as part of a broad agreement. Under the proposed deal, Israel would recognize al-Sharaa's legitimacy, withdraw troops from areas seized since his December takeover, and agree to Syria's military presence near its borders with Israel and Jordan, with certain restrictions.
In exchange, "Israel is expected to secure full sovereignty" over the Golan Heights, LBCI said, citing sources familiar with Syrian affairs. The report added that internal hardliner opposition, including from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham - the jihadist group formerly led by al-Sharaa - could derail the effort.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Monday that Israel will maintain control of the Golan Heights under any future peace arrangement with Syria.
Al-Sharaa has sought international recognition since ousting President Bashar Assad. Under former President Barack Obama, the United States aimed to remove Assad through a combination of sanctions and covert support for anti-government armed groups labeled "moderate rebels." On Monday, President Donald Trump lifted most US sanctions on Syria in order to facilitate the flow of foreign aid for the country's reconstruction.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Calgary Monitor news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Calgary Monitor.
More InformationTHE HAGUE, Netherlands: NATO is pressing ahead with a sweeping new defense spending target, calling on all 32 member nations to commit...
Earlier, the IDF attacked the country, claiming to be protecting the Druze population Former warlord Ahmad al-Sharaa, who seized...
Hong Kong, July 1 (ANI): China's harsh treatment of ethnic minorities, such as Muslim Uyghurs in the northwest province of Xinjiang,...
New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): India's manufacturing sector ended the first quarter of the financial year on a high note, as shown...
New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, ahead of his five-nation...
Washington, DC [US], July 1 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has hailed the relationship between India and the US, particularly...
Vancouver, Canada: A high-stakes legal showdown is brewing in the world of athleisure. Lululemon, the Canadian brand known for its...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that he was halting trade discussions with Canada due to its decision...
TORONTO, Canada: Harvard University and the University of Toronto have created a backup plan to ensure Harvard graduate students continue...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell on Friday announcing he had terminated trade talks with Canada....
Ontario [Canada], July 1 (ANI): Canada has officially withdrawn its proposed digital services tax, aiming to revive trade negotiations...
Tarn Taran (Punjab) [India] June 30 (ANI): The Border Security Force (BSF) has recovered two rogue drones and a packet of heroin along...