Syria and Israel have engaged in direct talks in recent weeks, marking a significant step toward easing tensions and preventing conflict along their shared border, according to multiple sources. The in-person meetings, which took place in the border region, represent a rare development between the two nations, long-time adversaries in the Middle East.
The discussions have been driven by a broader shift in regional dynamics, with the U.S. encouraging Syria’s new Islamist rulers to engage with Israel, while Israel has eased its military operations in Syria. These talks build on earlier back-channel negotiations facilitated by intermediaries following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December.
The contacts have been led by Syria’s senior security official, Ahmad al-Dalati, who now oversees the Quneitra province, which borders Israel’s occupied Golan Heights, as well as the southern Sweida province. Although the participants from Israel have not been disclosed, security officials were involved, according to sources familiar with the matter.
While the primary focus of the talks has been on security measures, including preventing border conflicts and reducing Israeli incursions into Syrian territory, sources indicate the meetings could pave the way for broader political agreements in the future.
The relative calm between the nations has been marked by a decrease in airstrikes and military engagements, especially in regions like Sweida, which witnessed intense clashes between Druze factions and Sunni fighters. Israel had previously launched airstrikes in the region, including a significant one near Damascus, aimed at protecting the Druze community.
In early May, a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh further complicated Israel’s policy toward Syria. Trump’s engagement is seen as part of a realignment in U.S. policy, signaling that Syria’s leadership could eventually move toward normalizing relations with Israel, though such normalization is expected to take time.
Despite the focus on security, Syria’s leadership has shown signs of goodwill, including efforts to ensure Syria will not pose a threat to Israel and the recent approval of the handover of Israeli spy Eli Cohen’s personal items. While Sharaa has expressed support for a return to the 1974 ceasefire terms, he has not yet commented on the possibility of normalization with Israel.