Israel and Syria have recently held direct, face-to-face talks aimed at lowering tensions along their shared border, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions.
The meetings—described as a significant shift in long-hostile relations—focused on avoiding military escalation and improving coordination in the sensitive frontier region. Several rounds reportedly took place in recent weeks, some on Israeli-controlled territory.
This development comes amid a period of reduced Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria and quiet diplomatic efforts following the rise of a new government in Damascus, which replaced Bashar al-Assad in December.
U.S. officials are said to be encouraging the Syrian leadership to build working ties with Israel as part of a broader push to stabilize the region. Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently acknowledged indirect talks, saying they were intended to prevent further violence. Israel has not commented publicly on the meetings.
On the Syrian side, senior security official Ahmad al-Dalati is believed to be involved in the discussions. He has publicly denied participating in direct talks, but sources say he has been central in regional security coordination, especially in areas bordering the Golan Heights.
While there is no indication that normalization is on the table at this stage, sources say the talks have focused on avoiding incidents and limiting military activity near the border. One official described the dialogue as aimed at achieving “peace as in no war,” rather than formal diplomatic ties.
In recent weeks, Syrian authorities have taken steps to signal stability, including cooperating on security and releasing symbolic gestures such as the return of personal items belonging to Israeli spy Eli Cohen.
Read next
17:13
U.S. strikes on Iran
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions following the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling on all sides to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation.
16:11
Bold and Brilliant
The Pentagon concluded a high-stakes press briefing Saturday afternoon following the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, outlining the scale and success of the mission while stressing the door remains open to diplomacy.
15:53
Türkiye
Türkiye has voiced strong concern following the United States’ strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the action could dangerously escalate the conflict and trigger a global crisis.
14:00
oil price
Global investors are bracing for significant market turmoil when trading reopens, with analysts predicting a sharp spike in oil prices and a flight to safe-haven assets following the United States' announcement of military strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities.
13:55
"Red Line" crossed
Iran’s top diplomat on Sunday issued a stark condemnation of the United States following overnight military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, declaring that Washington had crossed a "very big red line" and would be held "fully responsible" for the consequences.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment