Israel, Syria hold talks on security and control of land near border

Israel and Syria are engaged in direct talks focusing "on limited security arrangements" and the possible withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied in southern Syria after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Syrian sources told dpa.

According to sources close to the current Syrian leadership, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is not prepared to sign up to any broader peace agreement with Israel for now.

The talks, reportedly held in Jordan, involve high-level Syrian officials, including the defence minister.

Al-Sharaa is demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from areas seized after Assad’s fall and is strongly opposed to any expansion of the buffer zone in southern Syria, the sources said.

In a recent press conference in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, al-Sharaa acknowledged that indirect talks were taking place with Israel through mediators, with the aim of “calming the situation and preventing a loss of control.”

Despite these developments, prospects for real progress remain uncertain.

Israel and Syria have officially been at war since 1948. The Golan Heights, occupied by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981, are a central point of contention.

The annexation is not internationally recognized. Israel deployed additional troops to the area following the overthrow of Syria's long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad and continues to conduct airstrikes in Syria.

Israeli media reported that this could be a first step toward a "military security agreement."

This includes, among other things, a commitment to comply with the 1974 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria, reported broadcaster N24.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated at a press conference with his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger that Israel is interested in normalizing relations with Syria and its northern neighbour Lebanon.