Trump pursues Israeli-Syrian security pact with Sharaa, larger US military footprint
Israelis welcome the US effort but fear losing decision-making power and the ability to protect their interests as the US troop presence in the region looks set to further expand.
TEL AVIV — While hosting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Nov. 11 at the White House, President Donald Trump will try to conclude negotiations on a security agreement between Israel and Syria, including the establishment of a US air base to monitor the deal, according to Israeli diplomatic sources.
"It will be reminiscent of the agreement Trump made between Israel and Hamas for ending the war in Gaza," a senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Many obstacles remain, and neither side is suddenly in love with the other side, but at least there will be a signature," the sources said. They added that if such agreement is achieved "There will be declarations, and there will be optimism."
Sharaa is also expected to sign an agreement formalizing Syria’s membership in the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State, an organization with which he was once affiliated.
Reuters reported on Thursday that the US Army Central Command (CENTCOM) is preparing to establish a US air base just south of Damascus to bolster the Sharaa government’s efforts to impose control over the multiethnic country after a 13-year civil war. A US military officer speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity on Thursday denied a report by Reuters about US plans to occupy a base south of Damascus to monitor the proposed Israel-Syria agreement.
