Damascus Seeks End to Israeli Strikes and Withdrawal From Seized Syrian Territory

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani says talks with Israel over a potential security agreement could resume soon, raising hopes of renewed diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

Negotiations were reportedly frozen following the outbreak of the Iran war and were further disrupted after a recent Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase.

Shaibani said Damascus is seeking an agreement that would halt Israeli military attacks against Syria and pave the way for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory seized following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.

However, the Syrian foreign minister acknowledged that significant mistrust remains between the two sides, potentially complicating efforts to reach a durable security arrangement.

The United States is encouraging Damascus and Jerusalem to return to negotiations, with high-level contacts reportedly taking place under U.S. mediation over the weekend.

Washington’s involvement reflects broader efforts to prevent further escalation and address outstanding security disputes between Syria and Israel.

For Damascus, securing an agreement would represent an important step toward restoring territorial stability and reducing the risk of further Israeli military operations.

Israel, meanwhile, has continued to emphasise its security concerns and the need to prevent threats from emerging along its northern frontier.

The possible resumption of talks comes at a sensitive moment for the region, with tensions involving Iran, Israel and neighbouring states continuing to shape the Middle East’s security environment.

If negotiations resume, the central challenges will include security guarantees, Israeli military activity, territorial questions and the rebuilding of trust between Damascus and Jerusalem.