According to Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, while Israel and Syria are still in a state of conflict, Damascus is not ruling out a possible dialogue with the incoming government of Binyamin Netanyahu. According to the senior Syrian official’s statements, quoted in al-Jazeera, Israel must however comply with Syrian preconditions prior to the resumption of talks. This would include an Israeli willingness to leave the Golan Heights and recognition of the so-called right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Moallem added the right-wing government forming in Israel is not a threat, stating Damascus has seen many administrations in Israel, adding that the incoming government of Netanyahu may be preferable to some administrations whose real intentions are somewhat of a mystery.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)