Syria

Syria's People's Assembly met in Damascus today for the first time since Assad's fall. Abdel Halim al-Awak was elected speaker with 99 votes.

Anti-Israel indoctrination and glorification of jihad and armed struggle run through 65 textbooks and workbooks used by HTS-affiliated kindergartens and primary schools now folded into Syria's official education system.

@Israel_Alma_org.

Dr. Abdel-Hamid Al-Awach has been chosen as Speaker of Syria's People's Council. A secret ballot decided the post at the parliament's opening session, the first since elections under al-Sharaa.

Near the Yarmouk Basin in the southern Golan, an IDF force with 3 armored vehicles crossed into Syrian territory today, set up a roadblock, and searched passing vehicles, reports.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly pushing to reroute the India, Middle East, Europe Economic Corridor through Syria, bypassing Israel - Jerusalem Post.

President Trump said he intends to remove Syria from the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

Asked if he would do so, Trump replied: "I think I will. Why wouldn't I? He's done a good job!"

Trump also said: "Syria has become a very stable--it's amazing!"

Reporter: Are you going to remove Syria from the state sponsor of terrorism list?

Trump: I think I will. Yeah, I think, why wouldn't I? He's done a great job.

Trump on EU:

They took advantage of Syria. Al-Sharaa is bringing it back.

And I'm bringing the United States back.

Trump on Syria's al-Sharaa:

He is a strong person. He is a great leader.

He is respected by everybody, including me.

We are proud to have him together.

French President Macron in Damascus:

We want the French-speaking Christian schools in Syria that the former regime forced to close to reopen.

Macron in Syria: France is finalizing security and military cooperation, including the potential deployment of special forces to help fight terrorist groups.

French President Macron:

Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria.
This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination.
My visit continues.

NOW: Damascus, Syria near the hotel where President macron slept last night.

WATCH: Multiple explosive devices detonated near the Damascus hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying, according to a Reuters security source. The blasts occurred during Macron’s landmark visit, the first by a major Western leader to post Assad Syria.

The story is still developing.

Macron lands in Syria for a meeting with Al Sharaa (Jolani)

NEW: Turkey and Syria are quietly lobbying to reroute the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) through their territory, replacing Israel as the corridor’s key land bridge to Europe. Their proposal would shift billions of dollars in future trade, infrastructure investment, and strategic influence away from Israel.

H/T @kaisos1987

France's Macron will visit Damascus in the near future, becoming the first Western head of state to travel to Syria since Assad's fall.

He'll arrive with a delegation of French companies and investors, as Paris seeks a stake in the country's reconstruction.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani:

Syria's official position is to reject all Israeli attacks against Lebanon.

We also reject all acts of shelling and displacement that have affected the Lebanese people during the recent period.

This is our firm position, and we remain committed to it.

Syria and Lebanon signed a deal to form a joint high committee to boost bilateral cooperation.

Syrian FM Asad al-Shibani, from Beirut: Syria firmly opposes Israel's attacks on Lebanon.

On the framework agreement, he called it "an internal Lebanese matter" but said Syria wants "the atmosphere of understanding to be calm and lead to sustainable stability for Lebanon."

Syria's FM in Beirut: Damascus has no intention of military intervention in Lebanon. Talks also covered political prisoners and the border file.

SIRYA: Last night, clashes erupted in Aabedin after gunmen opened fire on IDF troops.

The IDF responded with artillery and helicopter fire.

Overnight, Israeli troops in southern Syria came under fire. No injuries.

The IDF says troops returned fire, launched mortars in the area, and a helicopter struck an open area in response.