Syrian leader claims Israel is battling imaginary enemies and must adhere to deconfliction agreement

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has sharply criticized Israel, accusing it of spreading instability abroad and fighting imaginary enemies amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes and incursions in southern Syria. His remarks came during a discussion with CNNs Christiane Amanpour at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Saturday.

Al-Sharaa reiterated Syrias demand that Israel reinstate the 1974 deconfliction agreement, which previously separated Syrian and Israeli forces. Israeli troops crossed into southern Syria a year ago, taking control of the strategic Mount Hermon heights, a region that had served as a buffer zone for five decades.

Israeli officials maintain that the IDF will remain in the positions they occupied last year. Al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria will not accept any alternative to the 1974 agreement. We insist that Israel withdraw to the pre-December 8, 2024 lines, he stated, noting that the United States is participating in negotiations.

He warned that attempts to alter the agreement could create serious security risks. Who will safeguard this buffer zone if Syrian forces are not present? he asked.

Al-Sharaa reported that Syria has endured more than 1,000 airstrikes and over 400 incursions since last years revolution, causing significant civilian casualties. A recent Israeli raid in southern Syria resulted in at least 13 deaths.

The president recounted that his forces entered Damascus last December, prompting then-President Bashar al-Assad to flee. He also pledged accountability for abuses in Syrias coastal areas earlier this year, where hundreds of minority Alawites, many supporters of Assad, were killed.

Al-Sharaa highlighted that despite past atrocities, Syria remains committed to the rule of law as a means to protect minority rights. Regarding elections, he said his current mandate will last another four years, during which a new constitution and institutions will be established, paving the way for future elections. He acknowledged that an indirect parliamentary vote last October faced criticism for limited participation and minority representation.

On economic matters, Al-Sharaa noted progress in stabilizing Syrias economy, supported by investments from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and foreign energy and construction companies. Electricity availability has improved from an hour and a half daily to 1214 hours, with hopes for self-sufficiency this year.

Al-Sharaa also mentioned his recent meetings with U.S. Congress members to advocate for the repeal of the Caesar Act sanctions, which were extended for another 180 days. There was strong understanding, and I believe we are at 95% agreement, he said.

Author: Gavin Porter