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Sharon: We are ready to negotiate with Syria if Damascus stops supporting terrorism - 2004-01-12

Feb 8, 2026 February 8, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon expressed willingness to negotiate peace with Syria if it stops supporting terrorism, particularly Hezbollah. This statement comes amid past failed peace efforts and recent claims of secret communications between the two nations. The situation is significant as it reflects ongoing tensions in the region and the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Sharon's willingness to negotiate with Syria highlights the complex interplay of regional politics and the ongoing threat of terrorism in the Middle East.

👥 Key Players

Ariel Sharon MENTIONED
Prime Minister of Israel
"Sharon's policies and statements significantly influence Israeli-Syrian relations and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape."
Bashar Assad MENTIONED
President of Syria
"Assad's decisions regarding support for groups like Hezbollah impact regional stability and Israel's security concerns."
Hezbollah MENTIONED
Lebanese militant group
"Hezbollah's actions and support from Syria are central to the conflict dynamics between Israel and Lebanon."

📰 What Happened

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced that Israel is willing to negotiate peace with Syria if it stops supporting terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. This statement follows a history of failed peace talks and claims of secret communications between the two nations.

  • Sharon's remarks were made during a press conference on January 12, 2004.
  • Peace talks between Israel and Syria collapsed in 2000 over the Golan Heights issue.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran supports Hezbollah and has a vested interest in the outcomes of Israeli-Syrian relations, as it affects its influence in the region.
🌍 Regional: The potential for peace negotiations could alter the balance of power in the Middle East and impact other regional players.
🌐 International: Western nations, particularly the U.S., are interested in stabilizing the region and may see renewed negotiations as a pathway to peace.

📚 Background

Israel and Syria have a long history of conflict, particularly over the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in 1967. Previous peace talks have failed, and Hezbollah's activities complicate the situation.

Israeli-Palestinian conflict Iran's role in supporting militant groups
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article presents statements from key political figures and reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts, making it a reliable source for understanding the situation.

Ariel Sharon, the Prime Minister of Israel, stated that if Damascus ends what he called 'support for terrorist organizations', Israel is ready to hold peace talks with Syria. Mr. Sharon made these remarks on Sunday at a press conference, specifically urging Syria to cease its support for the Lebanese group Hezbollah. Hezbollah fighters sporadically engage in clashes with Israeli forces in the border areas between Lebanon and Israel. Late last year, Syrian President Bashar Assad requested assistance from the United States to help resume peace negotiations with Israel. Peace talks between the two hostile Middle Eastern countries collapsed in 2000 over the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau that Israel captured from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967. On Sunday morning, Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom mentioned that several months ago, Israel and Syria had secret contacts that did not continue. However, a Syrian intelligence official told the Associated Press that such contacts did not occur.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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