Syria, Israel security talks expected to resume

Syria’s Foreign Minister says diplomacy with Israel should resume soon, but Damascus remains deeply mistrustful and insists that talks must produce tangible results, with Syria prioritizing an end to Israeli attacks. Negotiations over a broader security arrangement were frozen when the Iran war began and communications were cut following Israel’s strike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase, though Damascus says the two sides had previously agreed on much of the framework, including zones near the border and a potential withdrawal. Al-Shaibani stresses that contact should continue only if it yields concrete progress, urging Israel to seize a historic opportunity to move toward diplomacy. The United States has been actively pressuring and facilitating discussions, signaling renewed international engagement in the security talks. The proposed deal under discussion includes multiple security zones, UN-monitored and otherwise, and hinges on Israel withdrawing from territory seized after Assad’s fall, while Syria demands that Israel respect its security concerns and airspace. Despite the hurdles and distrust, officials say talks could restart soon, with Washington’s involvement framed as crucial to reviving a broader Syria-Israel security arrangement.