Israel and Syria have recently initiated direct contacts, including several face-to-face meetings, aimed at easing tensions along their shared border and preventing military escalation, five sources close to the matter told Reuters.
These talks represent a significant shift between two historically hostile nations that do not maintain official diplomatic relations. The negotiations come amid a changing regional landscape, following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last December.
According to Reuters, the Syrian side is represented by Ahmad el-Dalati, a senior security official recently appointed as governor of Quneitra province, which borders the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Several meetings are reported to have taken place, including on territory under Israeli control, three sources said. While the identities of the Israeli representatives have not been disclosed, two sources indicated they are likely members of the security services.
The discussions, currently focused on security matters and the prevention of hostilities, could potentially pave the way for broader agreements. According to Reuters, Syria’s new leadership is seeking to reassure both Israel and the international community of its commitment to stability—going so far as to meet with representatives of the Jewish community and return personal belongings of Israeli spy Eli Cohen.
One official summarized: “For now, it’s about peace as in the absence of war, rather than normalization.”
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