Netanyahu, Trump signal interest in new Israel–Syria relations
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel is interested in establishing relations with Syria, despite what he described as the presence of “jihadists” within the Syrian army.
Speaking in an interview with the U.S. network Fox News on Tuesday evening, Netanyahu said that “despite the fact that half of the Syrian army consists of jihadists, Israel would like to see whether it is possible to establish different relations with Damascus.”
Netanyahu added that Israel is closely watching developments in Syria and is open to exploring new forms of engagement, even amid ongoing security concerns.
For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had reached “understandings” with Netanyahu regarding Syria.
During a joint press conference with the Israeli prime minister in Florida, Trump expressed confidence that Israel and the Syrian president could reach an agreement.
“I am sure that Israel and the Syrian president will come to an agreement, and I will do my utmost to make that happen,” Trump said.
Earlier this week, Trump also stated that he hoped Netanyahu would come to terms with Syria, signaling Washington’s interest in encouraging dialogue between the two sides.