Sa'ar: Israel Interested in Normalizing Ties with Lebanon, Syria

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Israel wishes to normalize its relations with Syria and Lebanon. The statement was made during a press conference in Jerusalem, with his Austrian counterpart, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, present.

Sa'ar emphasized that Israel will not negotiate over the Golan Heights, which it occupied in 1967 and annexed in 1981. "In any peace agreement, the Golan will remain an integral part of the State of Israel," he stated.

He also referred to the Abraham Accords, highlighting the interest in expanding the circle of peace with countries such as Syria and Lebanon, while maintaining Israel's security interests.

In May, Reuters reported contacts between the new authorities in Syria and Israel to de-escalate tensions. Additionally, US President Donald Trump had met with Ahmad al-Sara of Syria, requesting normalization of relations with Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his belief that there is an opportunity to expand peace agreements after the war with Iran, while Tom Barak emphasized the need for a peace agreement with Syria and Lebanon.