The post-Assad Syrian administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) is drawing fierce criticism from activists and regional observers after confirming that Damascus is actively negotiating a security agreement with Israel.
Speaking in an interview aired Sunday on Al Jazeera, al-Sharaa framed the proposed security mechanism as a step toward preventing military escalation and potentially establishing a wider “peace agreement”. However, the announcement has sparked outrage among critics who view the move as a major political retreat and a step toward normalizing ties with the Israeli military while Syrian territory remains under occupation.
Critics argue that Syria’s willingness to pursue a security agreement with Israel reflects a broader regional trend in which several Arab governments have prioritized diplomatic and security arrangements over longstanding political positions on the Palestinian issue. They contend that such agreements risk weakening collective Arab leverage on questions of occupation, Palestinian statehood, and territorial disputes, while strengthening Israel’s Greater Israel Ambitions.
The talks have emerged as the war in Gaza continues to inflict a heavy humanitarian toll, with widespread destruction, large-scale displacement, and significant civilian casualties reported by humanitarian organizations. Opponents of normalization argue that pursuing new security arrangements during the ongoing conflict sends a troubling political message.
The announcement has drawn criticism from some Syrian activists, political commentators, and regional observers, who argue that any move toward normalization should be deferred until key issues such as the status of occupied territories and the Palestinian question are addressed.
As negotiations move forward, the proposed agreement is expected to face continued scrutiny from critics who argue that normalization efforts should not advance while longstanding regional disputes and the humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts remain unresolved. .
