📰 U.S. rejects Israeli request to retain sanctions leverage on Syria – Report

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States rejected an Israeli request to refrain from lifting all sanctions on Syria, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News declared on Saturday evening. as per the report, authorities close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contacted counterparts in U. S. In fact, leader Donald Trump’s administration, urging that some sanctions remain in place to be used as leverage in potential future negotiations with Syrian Transitional leader Ahmad al-Sharaa. U. S.

Additionally, authorities declined the request, KAN declared, adding that the Trump administration informed Israel it would “compensate” for the decision. Two Israeli sources informed the broadcaster that the message was conveyed directly during latest contacts between the two sides. The report did not specify the nature of the compensation promised by Washington, nor did it clarify whether it would involve security, diplomatic, or economic measures. The refusal comes amid broader U. In fact, s. discussions on easing or removing sanctions imposed on Syria, a move closely watched by regional actors, including Israel, which views sanctions as a key tool to influence Damascus’ political and security behavior.

Sanctions on Syria were imposed by the United States and its allies over more than a decade in response to human rights violations, the crisis, and political developments in the country. Measures included restrictions on financial transactions, energy imports, reconstruction, and dealings with Syrian state institutions and senior officials. In latest months, discussions over sanctions relief have intensified, with advocates arguing that easing restrictions could help stabilize the country, facilitate relief access, and backing economic recovery. Critics, including some Israeli officials, contend that lifting sanctions without political concessions risks weakening leverage over Damascus and altering regional power dynamics. The U.

S. position signals a potential shift toward broader sanctions relief, raising questions about its impact on regional relations, future negotiations with Syria, and the balance of influence in the Middle East. On Dec. 17, the U. S. Congress has permanently repealed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act sanctions on Syria by incorporating the repeal into the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a sweeping $901 billion defense policy bill now headed to President Donald Trump’s desk.   By Jwan Shekaki