Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that ongoing talks between Syria and Israel are facing significant difficulties but have not collapsed. He criticized Israel's insistence on maintaining a broad buffer zone inside Syrian territory, describing it as a continued presence on Syrian land.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that he ordered the military to widen the security zone and expand it eastward toward the slopes of Mount Hermon, citing the need to protect citizens and assist Druze communities. The expansion has added strain to the already delicate discussions.

Al-Sharaa has previously indicated that negotiations over a potential security pact could produce results, though he emphasized that a full normalization or peace agreement is not currently under consideration. He has also declined to say whether Syria would recognize Israel's right to exist, instead expressing hope that the United States administration under President Trump could help facilitate future negotiations.