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The Day · Sunday 7 December 2025

Filed 21:33 · Palestine time (UTC+2) · World

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Damascus Links Security Deal to Full Israeli Withdrawal from Syrian Soil

Damascus has announced that it will only sign a security agreement if Israel fully withdraws from Syrian soil. The declaration underscores its firm stance and continues to emphasize the precondition of ending what it describes as Israeli presence on its territory before any bilateral understanding can be reached.

DAMASCUS, SYRIA – SEPTEMBER 16: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (C), Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (not seen), US Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack (not seen) hold a joint press conference after their meeting at the Tishreen Palace in Damascus, Syria on September 16, 2025. They held a trilateral meeting to discuss the situation in the southern Suwayda province. ( Izz Aldien Alqasem – Anadolu Agency )

Damascus has made clear that the signing of any security agreement is contingent upon a full Israeli withdrawal from Syrian soil. This firm stance reflects the ongoing position of Damascus in its dealings with Tel Aviv, where the presence of Israeli forces or influence on Syrian territory remains a primary obstacle to political or security understandings.

Officials in Damascus stated that there will be no progress towards any security deal unless complete withdrawal is achieved. The insistence underscores a broader position rooted in longstanding opposition to Israeli presence, reinforcing that any normalization or cooperation must come after the full restoration of Syrian territorial sovereignty.

This development comes amid continuing regional tensions, and Damascus appears to be asserting its conditions clearly. The demand for a full withdrawal reflects Damascus’ consistent policy and highlights that its national stance has not shifted under current circumstances. Although no further details have been released, the message was conveyed with direct language signaling a definitive link between Israeli withdrawal and any forthcoming security agreements.

From its side, Damascus has not indicated any flexibility regarding this requirement, making the withdrawal an uncompromising prerequisite. Meanwhile, those following the developments note that the position aligns with previous statements issued by Damascus concerning sovereignty and national self-determination.

Analysts close to the administration in Damascus point out that such a demand is rooted deeply in the official framework and is seen as a defensive measure. The framing of the condition makes clear that any movement on the security front must begin with what Damascus describes as an end to occupation.

In addition, the phrasing has been noted by observers as one that reinforces the prevailing identity of resistance and refusal to concede in negotiations while territorial presence persists. This underlines the broader posture of Damascus, consistent with its declared resistance to any agreement perceived as legitimizing non-Syrian control over parts of its land.

The statement was issued without specifying the terms or mechanisms for withdrawal, but the language left little room for ambiguity regarding its necessity. Damascus’ position is seen as aligning with its core principles, as it continues to prioritize sovereignty and territorial integrity in all its diplomatic engagement.

As the situation develops, Damascus has not provided a timeline or expressed any interest in softening the condition. The clear linkage between Israeli withdrawal and a potential security deal places responsibility on the occupying side to initiate the steps demanded by the Syrian leadership.

Meanwhile, reactions on the ground and from other regional circles remain pending, though observers expect the statement to prompt renewed focus on the unresolved status of Syrian territories. Damascus continues to emphasize that peace or security cannot be separated from justice and full liberation of land from foreign presence.

In reaffirming this position, Damascus communicates a message of sovereignty and defiance, framing its stance as both a condition and a principle in confronting ongoing challenges. The path to any agreement, it asserts, remains blocked unless these fundamental issues are addressed first and without compromise.

7 Dec, 21:33

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