Israel, Syria resume US-backed talks to advance regional stability

ISLAMABAD: Israel and Syria have resumed diplomatic talks with US support, according to a statement from Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday.

The dialogue is part of what Israel described as a US initiative to promote peace in the Middle East. “During the talks, Israel emphasized the importance of protecting its citizens and preventing cross-border threats,” the statement said.

Israel reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and security, highlighting the potential for economic cooperation and the protection of Syria’s Druze minority. 

Officials said the dialogue would continue to advance shared goals and address security concerns.

A joint statement on the Trilateral meeting between the governments of the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the Syrian Arab Republic was shared by the US State Department on X on Tuesday.

"Non-negotiable national rights"

Syria’s state news agency, SANA, reported that the Syrian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama. Damascus framed the resumption of talks as an effort to reclaim what it called its non-negotiable national rights.

The discussions reportedly focus on reviving the 1974 disengagement agreement, which established a UN-monitored buffer zone along the Israel-Syria border following the 1973 Middle East war.

Tensions escalated after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled on December 8, 2024, by forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, prompting deeper Israeli troop movements along the border.

Israel has also cited missions to protect the Druze minority in southwestern Syria.

Syria is calling for Israel to return to pre-2024 positions and seeks a reciprocal security framework to safeguard its sovereignty and prevent foreign interference in its internal affairs.