Damascus seeks an Israeli withdrawal and restoration of the 1974 disengagement deal as Washington mediates efforts to halt strikes on Syria.
DAMASCUS – Web Desk: Syria and Israel held high-level, US-mediated talks in Jordan aimed at easing tensions after a series of Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, with Damascus demanding an Israeli withdrawal and restoration of a long-standing disengagement agreement.
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, citing a diplomatic source at the foreign ministry, the talks focused on practical mechanisms to halt Israeli strikes, arrests and targeted operations inside Syria. The discussions also sought to revive negotiations on a security agreement that could eventually lead to a broader accord.
Damascus Seeks Israeli Withdrawal
Syria told the Israeli delegation that its immediate priorities include an Israeli withdrawal to positions held before the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, as well as the full restoration of the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Damascus also rejected any arrangement that would restrict its ability to rebuild and develop its armed forces or determine its military alliances and partnerships.
Syria reiterated its claim that the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights are Syrian territory, although it said discussions over the territory’s final status would be premature at this stage.
US Pushes for Security Agreement
Washington has spent more than a year trying to broker a security agreement between Israel and the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Reuters that the two sides had previously agreed on paper to almost all elements of a potential arrangement, including security zones in southern Syria and a buffer zone where only United Nations forces would be present.
However, Shaibani said Damascus remained doubtful about Israel’s willingness to implement the understandings.
The Israeli prime minister’s office did not respond to a request for comment on Shaibani’s remarks, according to Reuters.
Talks Follow Israeli Strikes
The latest diplomatic effort comes after Israel carried out several strikes against Syrian targets.
Israel struck the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria last week. The attack further strained relations and prompted Damascus to cut off contact, according to Shaibani.
Israel has repeatedly defended its military operations in Syria as necessary for its national security. Syria, meanwhile, denies posing a threat to Israel and has called for an end to Israeli strikes and incursions.
A separate Israeli strike in southern Syria on August 22 also drew condemnation from Damascus after a civilian vehicle was hit near Beit Jinn, west of the capital, according to Reuters.
Israel-Turkey Tensions Also Discussed
The talks also addressed tensions between Israel and Turkey and efforts to prevent their rivalry from spilling over into Syrian territory.
Turkey has emerged as a major supporter of Syria’s post-Assad government. Israel has expressed concerns over Turkey’s growing military role in Syria.
The issue became particularly sensitive after the Israeli strike on Abu al-Duhur, which Israel said was linked to concerns over a potential Turkish military deployment at the base. The United States has sought to prevent the dispute from escalating further.
Long-Standing Dispute Over Golan Heights
Syria and Israel have technically remained at war since 1948.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed the territory. The United States recognises Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, while most of the international community does not.
The 1974 disengagement agreement established a buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces, monitored by United Nations personnel.
