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Israel in "Advanced Talks" to End Hostilities with Syria

(Times of Israel) Lazar Berman - Israel and Syria are holding "advanced talks" on a bilateral agreement halting hostilities between the countries, a senior Israeli official told the Times of Israel on Monday. The contacts are focused on coordination around security matters. On Monday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that in any potential peace agreement with Syria, "the Golan Heights will remain part of the State of Israel." Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and annexed the territory in 1981. According to Syrian sources, the ongoing discussions indicate that the idea of ties with Israel "does not enjoy genuine consensus, even within the team loyal to Sharaa." Instead, figures close to Sharaa are urging American mediators to consider a more limited agreement that would declare an end to hostilities with Israel without progressing toward full peace. Pro-Turkish elements within Sharaa's inner circle fear that normalization would place Syria under significant Israeli and Saudi influence, marginalizing Ankara's role. The Lebanese news channel LBCI said that Syria was not demanding the return of the Golan Heights in any potential peace agreement. A Syrian official told Israel's Channel 11 on Sunday that Syria has not brought up the issue of the Golan Heights in negotiations with Israel.
2025-07-01 00:00:00
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