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Businessman: Ahmed Al-Shar’ requested me to open a communication channel with Israel
American businessman Jonathan Bass conducted an interview with "Arab Independent," revealing details of an unofficial role he played in the relations between Syria and Israel, in addition to developments in US policies toward Damascus. Bass stated that Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar’ asked him to establish an indirect communication channel with Israel, providing him with a list of 10 points to calm the situation, including halting Israeli attacks on Syria and reactivating the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Bass explained that Al-Shar’ sent a clear message through him to the Israelis, expressing a desire for de-escalation rather than escalation, but the Israelis did not show interest in listening and indicated their readiness to meet Al-Shar’ anywhere. He also noted that the French, led by Emmanuel Macron, are seeking to impose their influence in Syria, which concerns him, asserting that France does not have the legitimacy to do so.
Bass mentioned his accidental meeting with the Syrian President in Damascus, emphasizing that the new government is characterized by a willingness to reform despite a lack of experience. He stated that Al-Shar’ shows responsibility toward all Syrians and understands that Syria’s future is built through dialogue, not fighting. Bass also confirmed that his recent meeting with Al-Shar’ coincided with a plan to rebuild the oil and gas sector, including joint projects involving American and Syrian companies.
On the political level, Bass noted that Al-Shar’ asked him to convey a message to Israel calling for de-escalation, but he expressed dissatisfaction with the Israelis’ stance, indicating that Israeli forces attacked areas around Damascus while he was attempting to deliver the message. He added that President Al-Shar’s plans include granting citizenship to Palestinians residing in Syria, a step Bass considered clever and aimed at distancing the Palestinian Authority movement from negotiations.
Regarding international relations, Bass criticized France for trying to impose its control over the Syrian file and warned that France’s gains lack sufficient legitimacy. He mentioned that American-Syrian meetings were held through mediators such as Princess Reema bint Bandar and the US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack.
At the end of his interview, Bass expressed optimism about the possibility of utilizing these atmospheres to increase opportunities for peace and stability in the region, praising President Al-Shar’ for his role as a man bearing responsibility toward all components of Syrian society.
