President Donald Trump said Dec. 1 that the U.S. is “very satisfied” with Syria under President Ahmad al-Sharaa and urged Israel to avoid actions that could derail the country’s progress “into a prosperous Country.”
“The United States is very satisfied with the results displayed, through hard work and determination, in the Country of Syria,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We are doing everything within our power to make sure the Government of Syria continues to do what was intended, which is substantial, in order to build a true and prosperous Country.”
Trump praised al-Sharaa — a former al-Qaeda commander whose U.S. terrorist designation and $10 million bounty were lifted earlier this year — saying he is “working diligently to make sure good things happen” and arguing the moment represents “a historic opportunity” for peace in the region.
Al-Sharaa led the forces that toppled Bashar Assad’s regime in December 2024, a political transition that has coincided with escalating violence and reports of attacks on Christian communities inside Syria.
Trump also credited his own policies in part for bolstering Syria’s rebuilding efforts, pointing to his decision to lift “very strong and biting sanctions,” which he said was “truly appreciated by Syria, its Leadership, and its People!”
On Nov. 10, the administration extended its suspension of most sanctions on Syria for another six months, CatholicVote reported. On the same day, al-Sharaa visited the White House for talks on bilateral relations.
Trump used the post to press Israel toward restraint amid recent clashes along the border.
“It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State,” Trump said.
He later added that “both Syria and Israel will have a long and prosperous relationship together. This is a historic opportunity, and adds to the SUCCESS, already attained, for PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST!”
The comments came three days after Israeli forces crossed into Syrian territory, sparking an exchange of fire and subsequent Israeli strikes that killed at least 13 Syrians, The New York Times reported. Syria’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation against Israel, calling the incident a “criminal attack carried out by an Israeli occupation army patrol.”
“The occupation forces’ targeting of the [Syrian] town of Beit Jinn with brutal and deliberate shelling, following their failed incursion, constitutes a full-fledged war crime,” the ministry stated, according to the Washington Examiner.
Israel has conducted multiple strikes against Syrian government positions this year. In June, it hit government buildings in Damascus after accusing Syrian forces of entering the demilitarized zone, the Examiner reported. In July, the Israeli military launched heavy airstrikes against Syrian military headquarters and said it was acting to protect the Druze community in Syria.
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