Barbara Leaf, Former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, confirmed that Syria’s transitional leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani (Al-Sharaa), “expressed understanding of Israel’s security concerns,”
He pledged “not to allow any party or state to threaten Israel from Syrian territory,” according to her remarks.
This came during a meeting between Leaf and al-Julani in Damascus, shortly before she left her post. Leaf described the meeting as “positive and productive.”
She also praised “Al-Sharaa’s pragmatism and practical approach to dealing with regional issues,” noting that he “seeks to establish good relations with regional parties.”
The former US official expressed hope for “the opening of a new chapter in relations between “Israel” and Syria under his leadership.”
Earlier, during his visit to Damascus last week, Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) said that “Syria is interested in joining the Abraham Accords and making peace with “Israel” under certain conditions.”
