Media: Israel offers Syria deal to secure border with Lebanon

Israel, with Russian mediation, has proposed a deal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad aimed at ensuring security along the Israeli-Lebanese border. 

The proposal, reportedly backed by Russia, calls for Assad to take a firm stance against Iran by tightening control over the Syrian-Lebanese border, Caliber.Az reports, citing Аl Joumhouria.

This includes halting the flow of Iranian weapons to Hezbollah and dismantling the supply route that facilitates arms transfers from Iran to Lebanon via Syria and Iraq. Russia has been suggested as the guarantor of the agreement. 

In return, the Israeli government has offered to push for the suspension of U.S. sanctions imposed on Assad, as well as on Syrian and Russian companies. These sanctions relief measures are expected to be initiated after the start of Donald Trump’s administration, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy

Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is playing a pivotal role in the talks. The report highlights Dermer’s recent trips to Russia and the U.S., as well as the mysterious visit of a Russian government plane to Israel, fueling speculation about high-level negotiations. 

This proposed deal underscores a complex interplay of regional and international interests, as Israel seeks to curb Iranian influence while leveraging Russian support to achieve its strategic goals. Whether Assad will accept the offer remains uncertain, but the implications of such a deal could significantly reshape the dynamics of the region.  

By Khagan Isayev