Golan leaders demand recognition in possible Syria peace talks
As reports emerge about Syria potentially entering the Abraham Accords, residents of the Golan are urging the government to strike a deal that emphasizes that the Golan Heights is part of Israeli territory.
'While we welcome real peace efforts, we are very clear: any future agreement must recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan,' Golan Regional Council Governor Ori Kallner and Katzrin Local Council head Yehuda Dua noted in a joint statement.
The two noted that a potential deal 'must also keep Israel's security strong in the region and include clear rules to protect the safety of all Israelis.'
The leaders of the Golan Heights called on the IDF and the government to 'keep a strong security presence in the Golan and its key locations to maintain peace and safety for Israel.
'The people of the Golan bravely faced thousands of rockets, attacks, and fires to protect Israel's border,' the statement added.
'We urge the Israeli government to remember this and act firmly and responsibly to ensure the safety of all Israelis."
The joint statement comes as Israel and Syria hold discussions that could later lead to a peace agreement.
However, sources told The Jerusalem Post that Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa's administration refused to allow Israel to strike within Syrian territory. Israel wishes to continue addressing security threats, especially if it withdraws from buffer zones on the border.
The sources said that this has led to an impasse in the talks.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that 'Israel is interested in expanding the circle of the Abraham Accords' in a Monday statement and mentioned Syria as a potential addition.
In line with what the Golan residents requested, Sa'ar affirmed that Israel would retain the Golan Heights as part of its territory.
'Israel applied its laws to the Golan Heights over 40 years ago, and in any peace agreement, the Golan will remain an inseparable part of the State of Israel.'
'At this stage, it will be less a peace agreement and more a security arrangement aimed at cooperating against civilian threats,' one of the sources told the Post.
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