Syria leader Jolani privately promised to normalise ties with Israel by 2026, ex-UK diplomat says – Middle East Monitor
▻https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250416-syria-leader-jolani-privately-promised-to-normalise-ties
Former British diplomat, Craig Murray, has claimed that Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani, has privately assured the UK that Syria will normalise ties with Israel, formally recognising the occupation state, and exchange ambassadors by the end of 2026.
“The move by the Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) militant group leader Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani is aimed at attracting substantial Western financial support and the lifting of sanctions on Syria,” Murray explained.
“I asked whether the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Syria was part of the deal, and surprisingly, this was not raised by either side. The UK regards it as a bilateral matter between Syria and Israel, and Al-Jolani does not appear to prioritise Israeli withdrawal,” he added, highlighting part of his conversation with a British diplomatic source.
