Israel 'was ready to return Golan Heights to Syria'

Friday 12 October 2012 21:56 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Benjamin Netanyahu was ready to hand back the Golan Heights to Syria in return for peace, it was reported yesterday. The Israeli Prime Minister's secret contacts with Damascus started in 2010 but ended when the Syrian uprising began last year.

The extent of Mr Netanyahu's offer will shock his supporters. In public, he has always backed Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights, and excoriated former Prime Minister Ehud Barak for reportedly offering to return the strategic plateau in 2000.

But the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that Mr Netanyahu surprised US officials by agreeing to withdraw to the pre-June 1967 border.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Israel 'was ready to return Golan Heights to Syria'

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering