Syria and Israel Nearing Security Agreement Under US Auspices

Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations, Bassam Alaybe, said that talks with Israel have entered advanced stages, adding that discussions with the United States are ongoing and include the Sweida file. Alaybe stated in an interview with Al-Arabiya channel that Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara’s meetings with his US counterpart Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron were “fruitful.”

For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the existence of negotiations with Damascus, noting that they are approaching a security agreement similar to the disengagement arrangements signed in 1974. However, he emphasized that any understandings will be contingent on guaranteeing Israeli interests, including disarmament in southwestern Syria and ensuring the safety of the Druze.

Reuters quoted informed sources as saying that the talks are proceeding at an accelerated pace under US pressure, focusing on security arrangements that do not rise to the level of a comprehensive peace treaty but may allow Damascus to regain some territories recently seized by Israel.