Al-Sharaa Issues Decree Revising Customs Law, Reinforcing Ban on Israeli Goods

Syrian transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a presidential decree revising Syria's Customs Law, explicitly reinforcing the existing prohibition on importing goods of Israeli origin. The move maintains an economic policy stance held since the Assad era — continuing the Arab League boycott framework — even as Syria pursues diplomatic normalization with Western states and sanctions relief from the US and EU. The decree underscores tensions inherent in Syria's new governance: while al-Sharaa seeks international rehabilitation and investment, he is also consolidating sovereign policy positions, including on Israel, where Syria's transitional government has consistently objected to ongoing IDF strikes and Israeli occupation of expanded Golan buffer zones.