Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a strong warning on Saturday. He said that “Sharaa says Israeli push for buffer zone would endanger Syria.” He made the remarks during the Doha Forum 2025.
Al‑Sharaa criticized recent proposals by Israel to create a demilitarized zone in southern Syria. He said such a move would break the long‑standing 1974 disengagement accord. He warned that any change could lead to more insecurity in the region.
He argued that calls for a buffer zone ignore a crucial question: who will guard the area if Syrian forces withdraw? “There are many questions surrounding the demand for a demilitarized zone,” he said. He added that leaving the zone unprotected would leave Syria vulnerable.
Al‑Sharaa said Israel was trying to shift its problems onto its neighbors. By pushing for a buffer zone, Israel would export its crises to Syria, he claimed. According to him, Syria has always aimed for regional stability — but such proposals endanger that goal. He stressed that Syria insists on keeping the original 1974 agreement intact.
The demand for a buffer zone has drawn widespread concern inside Syria. Al‑Sharaa said that accepting the zone would expose Syria to further attacks. He said the proposal “would endanger Syria,” repeating the key phrase to underline the risk.
Observers say the remarks reflect deep distrust between Damascus and Jerusalem. Israel argues that security threats require a buffer zone southwest of Damascus up to the frontier. Meanwhile, Syria sees such a zone as a dangerous reminder of recent territorial losses.
Al‑Sharaa’s warning comes after a year of increased Israeli military activity in Syria. Israeli forces moved into the previously demilitarized area and launched strikes that killed several people.
Whether negotiations will continue or collapse remains uncertain. Many Syrians watch nervously, fearing the buffer‑zone push could reignite conflict. For now, Al‑Sharaa insists Syria will oppose any change — because, as he said clearly, “Sharaa says Israeli push for buffer zone would endanger Syria.”
Read More : Syrian President Sharaa Expected to Visit Washington, US Envoy Says
