Trump Gives Netanyahu One Month for Syria Security Deal

According to Middle East Eye (MEE), the United States is pressing Israel and Syria to finalise a security agreement by March, with several sources saying an announcement could come “soon.” The push reflects Washington’s efforts to stabilise Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in late 2024.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Tuesday, and the issue was discussed during the call.

One Month Deadline for Netanyahu

According to the source, Trump told Sharaa that he had given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu one month to finalise the security deal with Damascus.

“Significant progress has been made in the talks with Israel. The only issue is Jabal al-Sheikh [Mount Hermon]. There is agreement on the rest,” the source said. A Gulf official briefed on the discussions confirmed the one month timeline.

Trump also told Sharaa that he wanted to see a unified Syria, not “multiple Syrias,” the source added.

Mount Hermon Remains the Main Obstacle

Despite progress, a senior western official told MEE that Israel has informed Washington that withdrawing from Mount Hermon is a “red line” tied to national security.

The official said they do not expect Israel to shift its position within four weeks. Israel occupied Mount Hermon, the region’s highest peak, following the fall of Assad’s government and has since expanded its military presence beyond the Golan Heights.

Sharaa–Trump Call and Regional Signals

Trump told journalists that he had “a great conversation” with “the highly respected president of Syria,” saying he was pleased with developments in Syria and the wider region.

The Syrian government declined to comment on the substance of the call, saying only that it went “very well.” However, a Syrian official confirmed to MEE that talks with Israel had made progress and that a “breakthrough” was expected.

Sweida, Druze Leadership and Israeli Role

According to sources cited by MEE, Israel is also backing Syrian Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who controls the southern province of Sweida and is in dispute with Sharaa’s government over autonomy from Damascus.

Under an understanding between Israel and Syria, the Syrian government would not enter Sweida militarily. Instead, negotiations would begin on its integration, with Israel’s support, a source said.

US Divisions and the Role of Thomas Barrack

A senior western official said much of the pressure on Israel reflects the position of U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack, adding that other parts of the administration are less supportive.

Barrack has advocated for a unified Syria without “separatism or federalism” and played a key role in reshaping control in northeastern Syria after recent military advances by Sharaa’s forces. His stance has faced opposition from U.S. Central Command and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, according to the official.

Existing Mechanisms and Historical Context

After U.S.-mediated talks in Paris earlier this month, Syria and Israel agreed to establish a joint mechanism, including a dedicated communication cell, to share intelligence and coordinate military de-escalation.

Syria and Israel have had a U.S.-backed security agreement in place since 1974. However, following Assad’s fall, Israel intensified strikes on Syrian military infrastructure and expanded its territorial control, raising tensions despite renewed diplomatic efforts.