For the first time in years, direct talks are taking place between Israel and Syria, according to a report published today (Tuesday) by the Reuters news agency. In recent weeks, several in-person meetings have reportedly been held between senior security officials from both countries, aimed at easing tensions along the border and preventing a slide into military conflict.
Security figures who took part in the meetings
According to five sources familiar with the matter, this development represents a significant shift in a region marked by long-standing hostility. On the Syrian side, the talks were led by Ahmad al-Dalati, a senior security official recently appointed as governor of Quneitra Province, which borders the Golan Heights, as well as the official responsible for the Sweida Province.
The identities of the Israeli participants were not disclosed, though two sources confirmed they were security officials. Three sources added that some of the meetings were held on territory under Israeli control.
Trump backs the move
The initiative has received backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, who met earlier this month with Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa (Al-Julani). According to Reuters, Trump signaled to Israel that it should work toward reaching understandings with Syria’s new leadership, and after the meeting stated that “the Syrian leader is ultimately prepared to normalize relations with Israel—but it will take time.”
In recent weeks, Syria’s tone has also softened publicly. The Syrian Foreign Ministry sent an official letter to the U.S. administration stating: “We will not allow Syria to become a source of threat to any party, including Israel.”
Additionally, Syria agreed to hand over to Israel the personal belongings of the executed Israeli spy Eli Cohen—a symbolic move described in Jerusalem as a rare gesture.
Drop in Israeli Air Force strike activity
In parallel with the talks, there has been a noticeable decrease in the rate of Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory—strikes that over the years targeted Iranian and proxy forces. In recent weeks, the Sweida region has also remained relatively calm, after previously witnessing heavy clashes between Druze factions and Sunni fighters.
A source involved in the talks told Reuters that this is not yet a normalization process, but rather a “peace of no war.” According to the source, discussions are focused on specific security issues—mainly preventing infiltrations into border villages—but they could eventually serve as a foundation for broader political understandings.
