Israel has proposed lifting certain U.S. sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in exchange for his efforts to prevent the flow of weapons to Hezbollah across the Syrian-Lebanese border, the Lebanese daily Al Joumhouria reported Tuesday.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer reportedly raised the idea to secure Russian cooperation in stopping arms smuggling through Syria, including along what has been dubbed the "Iranian highway," which connects Beirut’s Dahieh suburb, a Hezbollah stronghold, to Iran via Syria and Iraq.
According to the report, Dermer offered to urge the Biden administration to freeze sanctions on Assad and related Russian and Syrian companies. The proposal, first discussed during Donald Trump’s presidency, may have resurfaced following his reelection.
IDF forces operate in southern Lebanon
(Video: IDF)
Earlier this month, Dermer reportedly traveled to Moscow for a secret meeting to promote the initiative. Israeli officials believe Russia holds significant sway over Hezbollah, Syria and Iran, and see Moscow as seeking a cease-fire in the ongoing fighting in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Israeli troops found Russian-made weapons in Hezbollah’s arsenals in southern Lebanon, including newly produced arms transferred through Syria. These weapons are said to replace older Soviet-era stockpiles.
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