Syria and Israel hold direct security talks amid shifting regional dynamics

In a surprising diplomatic shift, Israel and Syria have recently initiated direct talks, meeting face-to-face to address mutual security concerns and de-escalate conflict in the border region. According to five sources familiar with the situation, these meetings mark the first open interaction between the two long-time adversaries in years.

Encouraged by Washington, these efforts reflect changing dynamics in the Middle East following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December. Islamist rebels, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, now hold power in Damascus, and the new leadership has shown a readiness to communicate with Israel. The talks build upon previous indirect negotiations that were mediated by third parties.

Sources close to the matter revealed that Syria’s involvement is being led by Ahmad al-Dalati, a high-ranking security figure recently appointed governor of Quneitra province, adjacent to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. He was also assigned to oversee security in Sweida province, a region with a significant Druze population. It remains unclear who is representing Israel, although two sources mentioned Israeli security personnel were present.

Multiple meetings have already taken place, including some in Israeli-controlled areas near the border. Neither the Israeli foreign ministry nor Syrian authorities have responded to inquiries about the negotiations.

Earlier this month, Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed that indirect talks with Israel were underway with the goal of easing tensions. This statement followed reports that the United Arab Emirates was playing a mediating role.

Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and extended its control following Assad’s downfall, citing security concerns about Syria’s new Islamist rulers. Israel has also carried out a campaign of airstrikes targeting Syrian military infrastructure but has recently scaled back both military operations and political criticism.

A turning point occurred on May 14, when U.S. President Donald Trump met with Sharaa in Riyadh. That meeting signaled a potential U.S. policy shift and prompted Israel to reconsider its approach to Syria’s new leadership.

Calmer conditions this month have also eased recent tensions in Sweida, where violent clashes had erupted between Druze factions and Sunni militants, some of whom had support from Israel. Israel conducted airstrikes during this period, including one near the presidential palace in Damascus, as a warning against threats to the Druze community.

While the current talks are centered on border security and reducing hostilities, sources suggest they may lay the groundwork for more comprehensive political agreements. One source noted that the discussions are about avoiding war rather than formal diplomatic recognition.

Trump has stated that Sharaa is open to normalizing relations with Israel, although he emphasized it would be a gradual process. Sharaa has since expressed support for returning to the 1974 ceasefire terms, which established a U.N.-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights.

In further efforts to demonstrate peaceful intentions, Syria's new administration has engaged with Jewish community representatives and taken action against Palestinian militants involved in past attacks on Israel. Additionally, Syria recently approved the return of personal belongings of the late Israeli spy Eli Cohen, a symbolic gesture of goodwill.