Israel making progress in talks with Syria – Netanyahu

Israeli prime minister confirms talks with Syria are making progress, but adds no deal likely in the near future.

By World Israel News Staff

Israel is making progress in talks with Syria’s new government, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but emphasized that no deal is likely to be reached in the near future.

Speaking at the start of the cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu confirmed reports that Israel is holding talks with Syria.

“Our victories in Lebanon against Hezbollah have opened a window to the possibility of peace with our neighbors to the north,” Netanyahu told his cabinet.

“We are maintaining contacts with the Syrians; there has been some progress, but it’s still a way off.”

The prime minister touted Israel’s performance during the ongoing war against Hamas and Yemeni Houthis, as well as in recent conflicts with Iran and in Lebanon.

“Over the past year we have achieved tremendous, historic accomplishments – first and foremost the historic achievement that ensures the continued existence of the State of Israel and, by extension, the continued existence of the Jewish people.”

The 12-day war with Iran, Netanyahu said, “lifted the threat of Iranian atomic bombs from over [Israel’s] head.”

Netanyahu mentioned his upcoming trip to the United States and address at the United Nations General Assembly, during which he vowed to respond to the push for recognition of unilateral Palestinian statehood.

“At the UN, I will present the truth. This is Israel’s truth, but it is also the objective truth in our just struggle against the forces of evil, and our vision for real peace – peace through strength.”

“We will also have to fight at the UN and in all other arenas against the false propaganda directed at us and the calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state – which would endanger our existence and constitute an absurd reward for terror,” he continues, repeating past remarks that nations recognizing a Palestinian state at the General Assembly are rewarding Hamas’s acts of terror against Israel.”
After his United Nations address, Netanyahu noted, he is slated to meet with President Donald Trump in the White House for their fourth meeting since Trump returned to office in January.