Overview
- Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa told the Doha Forum that Israel is 'fighting ghosts' and called for recommitment to the 1974 disengagement accord.
- Israel has held roughly 400 square kilometers of southern Syrian territory since Assad’s fall and continues raids and strikes, including recent drone activity near Beit Jin.
- At least 13 people were killed in an Israeli operation in Beit Jin late last month, with Israel saying it targeted militants linked to a Hamas-affiliated group and detaining dozens.
- Israeli officials have signaled the military intends to stay in the positions taken last year indefinitely while seeking an expanded security zone.
- Washington is facilitating negotiations, and President Trump has urged Israel to maintain dialogue with Syria and avoid actions that could hinder Syria’s recovery.