Sources report that Syria and Israel are engaged in direct talks, with meetings also held in recent weeks to reduce tensions between the two parties and prevent further regional instability. This is evidence of improving relations between Syria and Israel, who have been enemies for many years.
In December of last year, the rule of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad suddenly ended, and an armed group called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of Syria’s governance. In this situation, the United States has been pressuring Syria to strengthen ties with Israel. Israel, which had been launching attacks on Syria, has also reduced its attacks on the country. HTS is conducting official consultations with Israel after having previously held secret consultations. Earlier this month, Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Shara’a, confirmed that indirect consultations with Israel had taken place.
On the Syrian side, Ahmad al-Dalati, a senior security official, is leading the talks. After Assad’s rule fell, al-Dalati was appointed as the governor of al-Quneitra, which borders the Golan Heights occupied by Israel. Earlier this week, the transitional government also appointed him as the head of security for the southern province of As-Suwayda. As-Suwayda is an area where a small Druze population lives in Syria. It is unclear who is leading the talks on the Israeli side, but Israel is represented by its security officials. Sources say that many rounds of talks have been held in areas near the regional border between the two countries. Sources also say that talks have been held in some areas under Israeli control.
Israel occupied the Golan Heights in the Middle East war of 1967. After Assad’s rule fell, Israel has taken control of additional Syrian territories. Additionally, in Israeli airstrikes on Syria, many of the country’s military facilities have been damaged. At the same time, Israel had been urging the United States to keep Syria weakened due to its civil war. However, in recent weeks, Israel has reduced its attacks on Syria. And criticisms aimed at the country have also decreased. Syria’s new government is also working in various ways to show that the country is not a threat to Israel.
On May 14, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syria’s Shara’a in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, contrary to previous U.S. policies towards Syria. This suggested that the U.S. was ready to recognize Syria’s new government. With the U.S. acting in this manner, Israel has also been forced to reconsider its approach towards Syria. Although Israel benefited from Syria’s instability, it is now facing pressure to establish peace with the new government. After meeting with Shara’a, Trump said that Shara’a was ready to strengthen ties with Israel at some point. However, Trump noted that this would take time.
The current direct talks mainly focus on cooperation in security matters. However, informed sources say that these ongoing talks are expected to help reach a broader political agreement in the future.
