Israel rejects claim it walked away from security deal with Damascus

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday dismissed as “fake news” a report claiming Benjamin Netanyahu refused to sign a U.S.-mediated security agreement with Syria last September.

The allegation appeared Monday in Asharq al-Awsat, which said Damascus had renewed its outreach to Washington after what it described as Israel’s initial refusal to finalize the deal. The paper reported that both sides had prepared a written security agreement meant to be signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was present.

Netanyahu’s office rejected that account outright.

“This report is pure fake news,” the statement said, according to Israeli media. “There were contacts and meetings under U.S. auspices, but the discussions never reached the stage of agreements or understandings with Syria.”

According to Asharq al-Awsat, the talks faltered at the last minute when Israel pushed for a “humanitarian corridor” into Syria’s southern Sweida province. Israel has repeatedly said it would act to protect Druze communities in the region. 

Around 120,000 Druze live in Israel, and many serve in the Israeli military. Israel has also carried out airstrikes in Syria, saying they were meant to defend the Druze population across the border.

The episode highlights the quiet but ongoing diplomatic maneuvering around Syria’s future and Washington’s role in mediating between longtime enemies. For now, both Jerusalem and Damascus appear far from any agreement, written or otherwise.