Israeli Media: Netanyahu–Sharaa Meeting Likely at White House Next Week
Israeli media says US pushing hard for Israeli–Syrian security agreement amid ongoing regional tensions
United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM — A meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syria’s transitional head Ahmad al-Sharaa is reportedly scheduled to take place next Monday at the White House in Washington, according to Israeli media citing high-level sources.
The likelihood of the meeting is described as “very high,” reflecting mounting US pressure on both sides to conclude a security agreement.
US Mediation and Al-Sharaa’s Engagements
On Tuesday, i24News political correspondent Guy Azriel reported that Washington has intensified efforts to secure an agreement between “Israel” and Syria.
According to the US Department of State, al-Sharaa had earlier met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Their discussions reportedly covered American priorities in Syria and future Israeli–Syrian relations.
Israeli Channel 13 reported on September 21 that most points of the proposed deal had been agreed upon, though one critical dispute remains: the freedom of operation for the Israeli Air Force in Syrian airspace.
Al-Sharaa, in remarks to Turkish media, acknowledged that while the recent Israeli strike on Syria’s Ministry of Defense amounted to “an act of war,” a security agreement mediated by the United States had become “an unavoidable necessity” under the current regional circumstances. He compared the expected accord to the 1974 disengagement agreement.
London Meeting Between Officials
Israeli outlets previously revealed that on September 18, a five-hour meeting took place in London between Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syrian envoy al-Shaibani, with US mediator Tom Barrack facilitating.
That meeting included Syria’s formal response to an Israeli proposal.
Despite the progress reported, skepticism remains within Tel Aviv’s political establishment. i24News noted that chances of a deal being finalized soon had “receded,” even with what it described as the “intensive intervention” of US President Donald Trump.
Broader Implications
A potential White House meeting between Netanyahu and al-Sharaa would represent the most significant Israeli–Syrian engagement in decades.
In substance, however, such a development would function less as a path to peace and more as a political cover for normalization between the Israeli occupation and a transitional authority in Damascus widely seen as lacking legitimacy. Rather than reflecting the will of the Syrian people, it risks consolidating Tel Aviv’s influence in the region while marginalizing genuine forces of resistance.
Far from offering stability, a deal shaped under U.S. pressure could entrench Israel’s military dominance — particularly its demand for freedom of action in Syrian airspace — and further expose the compromising posture of al-Sharaa’s leadership. (PW)