As a prelude to normalization, Barak reveals al-Shara’s readiness to reach an understanding with Israel.
As a prelude to normalization, Barak reveals al-Shara’s readiness to reach an understanding with Israel.
2026-10-20
Shafaq News – Doha
On Tuesday, US Special Presidential Envoy to Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack called for a halt to Israeli military operations in Syria, praising Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s management of the transitional phase and indicating his readiness to reach an understanding with Israel that could pave the way for normalization of relations between the two sides.
Speaking at the Doha Global Security Forum, Barak said that the Sharia is ready to reach an understanding with Israel, including a non-aggression agreement, expressing his optimism about the possibility of reaching an understanding between the two sides.
He added that optimism about the possibility of reaching an understanding does not necessarily mean achieving a final agreement.
Barak’s statements come amid US efforts to reach security arrangements between Damascus and Tel Aviv, with the aim of reducing escalation and addressing disputes related to the Israeli military presence on Syrian territory.
In his latest public statements regarding Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on October 15 that he had a telephone conversation with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the Israeli strikes that targeted the Ministry of Defense and the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Damascus in July 2025.
During a visit to the Druze village of Yarka in northern Israel, Netanyahu said the call was short and direct, claiming it was followed by a halt to the killings in Sweida, and he affirmed the continuation of what he described as the protection of the Druze community.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa had previously stated in September that reaching any security understanding with Israel requires the withdrawal of its forces from the areas they entered after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, and a return to the 1974 disengagement lines.
Al-Sharaa pointed out that the success of the security arrangements could open the door to discussions on a long-term peace, while emphasizing that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory.
Damascus demands a halt to Israeli attacks and incursions and respect for Syrian territorial sovereignty, while Israel says its military actions are aimed at protecting its security.
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