US envoy: Syria has no plans for war with Israel, talks ongoing

US Special Representative for Syria Thomas Barrack has revealed that confidential negotiations are currently underway between the Syrian leadership and Israel, during which the two sides are discussing all major points of contention. 

Barak emphasised that the current Syrian government has no intention of entering into armed conflict with Israel.

Speaking to Levant24, Barrack stated that Syria should be given the opportunity to demonstrate its newly declared political direction, particularly in light of the country’s transition period and the dismantling of its previous power structure.

According to reports in the Israeli media, senior Syrian sources—who spoke on condition of anonymity—have acknowledged the possibility of reaching a peace agreement with Israel before the end of Donald Trump’s presidential term. The reports also note that a direct and ongoing line of communication has been established between the two parties.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa confirmed the existence of indirect negotiations with Israel via international intermediaries while addressing residents in Quneitra province and the occupied Golan Heights. He stated that the Syrian government is actively working to restrain Israel’s repeated strikes on the country’s southern regions, particularly in and around Quneitra.

In a rare public acknowledgement, Israeli National Security Council chief Tzachi Hanegbi confirmed that direct contact is being maintained between Israel and Syria. He added that the two sides are currently discussing the possibility of formally normalising their relations.

Political analysts view the latest moves by Syria's leadership as a signal of a more pragmatic and realistic foreign policy orientation. According to them, Damascus appears increasingly open to dialogue in a bid to end its international isolation and attract foreign investment. Barrack’s remarks, they say, suggest that the United States is not only supportive of these diplomatic efforts but may also be actively encouraging them.

Against the backdrop of Syria’s ongoing post-war reconstruction, the government is reportedly seeking to minimise external threats. A peace deal with Israel, analysts suggest, could provide a pivotal opening for broader internal reforms and a new national agenda.

The political will in Damascus appears to be taking shape, but experts caution that the path to a final agreement will hinge on several complex issues, including the scale of mutually acceptable concessions, the status of the Golan Heights, and guarantees of long-term security for both nations.

By Tamilla Hasanova