Syria–Israel Talks Stalled Over Humanitarian Corridor to As-Suwayda

Security negotiations between Syria and Israel have stalled due to disagreements over the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to the southern Syrian province of As-Suwayda, according to informed sources.

The talks were aimed at reaching a security agreement to de-escalate tensions following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, and to replace the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. However, Israel’s request to link the corridor to As-Suwayda for humanitarian purposes was rejected by Damascus, which viewed it as a violation of national sovereignty.

Sources indicated that the agreement was close to being signed before the dispute emerged. Tensions in As-Suwayda—including clashes between Druze and Bedouin communities—have also impacted the negotiations, with Israel expressing concern over potential escalation of sectarian conflict.

Meanwhile, the U.S. envoy denied that the negotiations had failed, calling the current stage a step toward a possible agreement. Nonetheless, local and international reports warned that continued disagreement over the humanitarian corridor could lead to renewed instability in the region.