Israel proposes security deal with Syria including demilitarized zones
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Israel has presented Syria with a detailed proposal for a new security agreement to replace the 1974 disengagement pact, sources familiar with the talks told Axios on Wednesday.
The proposal, delivered several weeks ago, includes a map of demilitarized zones stretching from southwest of Damascus to the border with Israel.
Israel’s plan, modeled on its 1979 peace treaty with Egypt, would divide the southwest Damascus area into three zones with varying limits on Syrian forces.
Heavy weapons and military units would be barred from areas adjacent to the Israeli border, though police and internal security could remain.
The proposal also calls for a no-fly zone for Syrian aircraft across the entire area, in exchange for Israel’s gradual withdrawal from territories it has occupied in recent months—excluding an outpost atop Mount Hermon, which it insists on retaining.
Syria has not yet responded but is reportedly preparing a counterproposal.
According to the sources, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani are scheduled to meet on Wednesday in London, along with U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack, who is mediating. This will be the third trilateral meeting on the issue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed interest in meeting Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later this month, though officials say chances remain slim.