Syria, ‘Israel’ near security agreement under US auspices

Syria and “Israel” are reportedly close to finalizing a security agreement under US auspices, Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS reported on Saturday, citing a Syrian source.

The channel additionally reported that Syrian and Israeli officials are expected to meet soon to finalize the details of the agreement.

In a related development, US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins stated on Wednesday that Central Command commander Brad Cooper held talks with Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Earlier, sources told “Israel’s” public broadcaster that a secret Russian-mediated initiative had been facilitating negotiations between Syria and “Israel” to reach a security arrangement, with US approval. The sources added that Azerbaijan is currently playing a central role in hosting high-level meetings, including official visits to its capital, Baku.

In a joint statement, the governments of the United States, “Israel”, and Syria announced strategic understandings aimed at strengthening “security and stability” between “Israel” and Damascus and forming a joint coordination cell during a meeting held in Paris, France.

Ongoing talks between Syria and “Israel” over a security agreement had already shown significant progress as of December 26, according to i24NEWS, citing a Syrian source close to al-Sharaa.

The source attributed the progress to efforts by US President Donald Trump, noting that the potential agreement would include a diplomatic annex and could be signed during a high-level Syrian-Israeli meeting in a European country.

Syria, ‘Israel’ tensions simmer post-Assad
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, “Israel” has carried out hundreds of air and ground attacks inside Syrian territory, including intensified bombardments of military sites in 2025 as it expanded its presence beyond the 1974 disengagement zone and occupied additional southern areas, prompting repeated Syrian condemnations.

In November, negotiations between Syria and “Israel” reportedly stalled over disagreements on territory and withdrawal terms, with “Israel” seeking broader peace terms beyond a security pact, highlighting the fragile nature of dialogue.

Earlier in September 2025, Syria’s president acknowledged ongoing talks aimed at restoring borders to pre‑December 2024 lines and reducing hostilities, with US mediation playing a key role in facilitating dialogue.

By mid‑2025, clashes and incursions continued, such as an August 2025 raid near Beit Jinn and further strikes in July 2025 tied to tribal violence, illustrating persistent instability along the frontier.