- Discussions aim to halt Israeli strikes, arrests, and targeted operations.
- Both parties are working to revive talks that could lead to a wider ceasefire.
- Washington has been attempting for over a year to broker a security agreement.
On Sunday, Syria and Israel engaged in high-level negotiations facilitated by the United States in Jordan, aiming to reduce recent tensions caused by Israeli military actions on Syrian soil, according to Syria’s state news agency, Sana, citing a foreign ministry diplomatic source.
The focus of these talks was to develop tangible measures to stop Israeli strikes, arrests, and covert operations. Additionally, efforts were made to revive negotiations that could establish a security framework, potentially paving the way for a broader peace agreement, Sana reported.
The parties also explored ways to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Turkey and prevent their rivalry from impacting Syria.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Reuters on Saturday that Damascus expects security talks with Israel to resume soon, though he acknowledged a lack of trust lingering between the two nations.
Negotiations had been paused since the onset of the Iran conflict, with Syria severing all contacts following Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase last week, Shaibani explained.
For over a year, Washington has been working to facilitate a security treaty between Israel and the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad.
Shaibani mentioned that, early this year, the two sides had nearly finalized agreements, including security zones in southern Syria and a buffer zone controlled solely by United Nations forces. However, Damascus remains wary about Israel’s commitment to implementing these agreements.
The Israeli prime minister’s office did not respond to inquiries regarding Shaibani’s statements.
During Sunday’s talks, Sana indicated that Syria’s immediate goals remain an Israeli withdrawal to pre-December 8, 2024 positions and the full reinstatement of a 1974 disengagement accord.
Damascus emphasized to the Israeli delegation that it would not accept arrangements that limit Syria’s right to rebuild or expand its armed forces or to form alliances and partnerships.
Syria reaffirmed that the Golan Heights, currently occupied by Israel, is Syrian territory. However, it noted that discussions about the region’s final status are premature, Sana added.
Israel has conducted multiple strikes on Syrian military sites since Assad’s fall, claiming these actions are necessary for its security. Syria denies threatening Israel and has demanded an end to Israeli bombings and incursions.
The two nations have technically been at war since 1948. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed the territory—an act recognized by the U.S. but rejected by most of the international community.