Tel Aviv insists on preventing Syrian army, accepts only police force

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – A senior Israeli military reserve officer said on Thursday that Tel Aviv would not allow the establishment of a new Syrian army, underscoring Israel’s security concerns amid ongoing negotiations between Damascus and Tel Aviv.

Colonel (Res.) Moshe Elad, in an interview with Israeli channel i24 News, revealed that discussions during security talks had touched on the future of Syrian armed forces. According to Elad, Syrian representatives inquired about Israel’s stance on the creation of a national army.

“Elad said, Israel’s response was clear: there will be no Syrian army in Syria, but only a strong police force,” the channel reported.

The Israeli officer stressed that Tel Aviv would not under any circumstances permit the establishment of a military force that could potentially pose a threat to Israel.

He further noted that Israel had no issue with Jordan or Egypt due to the existence of peace agreements with both states, contrasting the situation with Syria where no such arrangement has been reached.

The remarks come amid sensitive discussions over a possible security agreement between Syria and Israel. While Damascus has consistently called for full sovereignty and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Syrian territories, Israeli officials continue to highlight security guarantees as a precondition for any settlement.

The future of Syrian defense institutions remains a contentious subject in negotiations, as questions over the country’s military capabilities are closely linked to regional stability and security.

By Atoun Jan