The Jerusalem Post: Israel-Syria normalisation talks hit roadblock PHOTO

Israel and Syria have found themselves embroiled in a fresh wave of tensions following reports of secret security negotiations between the two countries.

According to anonymous sources, these talks took place in the context of a possible expansion of the so-called Abraham Accords — agreements signed by Israel in 2020 with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco under U.S. mediation, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Jerusalem Post.

During the discussions, Tel Aviv and Damascus allegedly explored terms for normalisation. However, the Syrian side firmly rejected any deal that would allow Israel to continue striking Syrian territory.

Sources say Israel insisted on retaining the right to conduct “preemptive strikes” against perceived threats in exchange for the withdrawal of troops from the occupied buffer zone. Damascus reportedly deemed these conditions unacceptable.

The report notes that despite a softening of Israeli rhetoric toward Syria, prospects for a formal agreement remain uncertain. One source emphasised that even if an initial agreement is reached, it would likely amount only to a “cold peace” and limited cooperation in security matters.

Following a halt in Israel’s active strikes against Iranian targets in Syria, expanding the Abraham Accords has again become a priority in Israeli politics. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar previously stated that Tel Aviv is interested in normalising relations with Syria and Lebanon, provided Israel maintains control over the Golan Heights.

So far, Damascus has not issued any official statements regarding these developments.

By Khagan Isayev