Israel wants to 'keep Mount Hermon' in any Syria security deal

Syrian–Israeli negotiations have accelerated ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, with leaks suggesting a security deal could be reached before the end of the year. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said talks may produce results “in the coming days,” but insisted peace or normalisation is not on the table.

Israel, however, is demanding to maintain its hold on Mount Hermon, a key strategic position, as part of any arrangement. Syrian military analyst Fayez al-Asmar told The New Arab's Arabic edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the mountain’s height and vantage point make it "the most strategic area in Syria", enabling Israeli monitoring of wide areas of Syrian and Lebanese territory.

He warned that leaked provisions "undermine Syrian sovereignty" unless amended.

Security expert Diaa Qaddour said that replicating the Camp David model "does not work for Syria", as Damascus is seeking only a security arrangement.

Khaled Khalil, another analyst, argued that Washington is pushing for a deal to present as a diplomatic achievement, with Israel aiming to restore its deterrence capacity after the Gaza war.

UN Syria envoy Pedersen resigns

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen announced his resignation after nearly seven years in the post. Speaking to the Security Council, Pedersen cited "personal reasons" for stepping down but used his briefing to warn that Syria urgently requires international financial support.

He called for "sustained easing of sanctions and export controls, reassurance for banks and companies, and an acceleration of domestic reforms", Pedersen also backed Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s call to end foreign intervention, criticising Israeli strikes and raids near Damascus earlier this month as "unacceptable".

Political researcher Anas al-Khatib told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Syria’s crises, particularly in Suweida, demand solutions that protect sovereignty while addressing Druze concerns over safety and rights.

US signals sanctions easing

The US Treasury said it intends to support Syria in reconnecting its economy to the global financial system “safely and responsibly,” while maintaining counter-terror financing measures. The statement came after a meeting with Syrian FM Shaibani.

Economic expert Yasser al-Hussein told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the move reflects US willingness to open a window for authorised transactions. He said practical steps include reopening correspondent banking channels, ensuring local banks can carry out compliant transfers, and establishing payment systems for food and medicine.

He added that long-term measures should focus on reforms in transparency, governance, and anti-corruption to attract international institutions and investors.

Producer kidnapped in Damascus

The Syrian Interior Ministry denied reports that television producer Mohamed Qabbani was arrested, saying he had instead been abducted by a gang impersonating security officers to extort his family. Spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba said preliminary investigations confirmed Qabbani was "not in custody of any official body".

His son Ayham wrote on Facebook that the family had been in contact with security forces but "so far there has been no news". Actor Qassem Melho added on Instagram: "Some people say he was arrested, others say he was kidnapped, but since yesterday there has been no news about him".

Qabbani, born in 1953, owns Qabbani Productions and has served in Syria’s parliament since 2016.

Arrest over 2020 Azaz bombing

The Interior Ministry announced the arrest of Hussein Muwas, accused of carrying out the 2020 car bombing in the town of Sijo, near Azaz in northern Syria, which killed and injured more than 100 people. Authorities said Muwas, a truck driver from rural Aleppo, was detained while disguised in women’s clothing.

At the time, then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the attack on social media, calling it a "senseless tragedy" and "cowardly act".

In a separate development, Syrian state TV reported the discovery of the remains of about 100 people killed in a 2014 ambush by regime forces near al-Atiba, Eastern Ghouta.

Researcher Anas al-Khatib told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed the massacre involved the detonation of mines followed by direct gunfire, with fewer than 10 survivors. He said it echoed the Ali al-Wahsh massacre in Yarmouk camp, in which hundreds were killed, including Palestinians.