Israel, Syria Hold Rare U.S.-Mediated Talks
Rare diplomatic talks between Israel and Syria, mediated by the U.S., seek to de-escalate tensions following recent military actions.
The update
Syria and Israel have held rare U.S.-mediated talks in Jordan to de-escalate tensions, according to Syrian state media. The discussions came days after Israel struck an air base in Syria’s northwest, which Israel claimed was to prevent Turkish troops from deploying there—a claim denied by Syria and Turkey. Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with an Israeli delegation reportedly led by the head of Mossad intelligence.
Why it matters
These talks represent a significant diplomatic development between two countries that have technically been in a state of war for decades. The U.S. has been attempting to broker a security agreement between Israel and Syria’s new government for over a year. The discussions focused on establishing practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks and potentially revive negotiations for a lasting security agreement.
What to watch
Whether these talks lead to concrete agreements or remain symbolic gestures. How the U.S. and Jordan facilitate further discussions between the two sides. Whether Turkey-Israel tensions, which have escalated following the air strike, will impact the negotiation process.
Sources
- nytimes.com — confirming talks between Israel and Syria, context on recent Israeli strike
- aljazeera.com — details on participants, discussion topics, and broader regional context