Barak: "Sincere Intent" Security Talks Between Syria and Israel.. Reaching an Agreement Still Requires More Work

The U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barak, revealed that talks are taking place between Syria and Israel, describing them as "conducting discussions with sincere intent" aimed at reaching a potential security agreement. However, he added that the two countries "are not close to reaching a final formulation for it".

This was stated by Barak in remarks to Axios, where he confirmed the existence of a "mutual intention and desire" between the two sides, noting that "at this time, there is still more work to be done". He added that "constructive dialogue between these two countries is the gateway to a long-term understanding that will pave the way for stability and prosperity in the region".

On the other hand, Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara confirmed progress in these talks. He said during a press meeting on Sunday: "There is progress towards bilateral agreements," emphasizing that he "will not hesitate to take any agreement or decision that serves the interests of the country".

Al-Shara indicated that the agreement under discussion "will focus on returning to the line of separation between Israeli and Syrian forces in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, which was established in 1974". He also pointed to the importance of regional economic integration, affirming that "he will not hesitate to accept any decision or agree to any agreement that achieves the interests of Syria and the region".

It is noteworthy that these talks come in the wake of a meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Israeli Strategic Planning Minister Ron Dermer in Paris on August 20, as a result of U.S. mediation efforts. The two sides discussed "joint measures to reduce tension in the Sweida Governorate and enhance stability in southern Syria", emphasizing the "need to establish a clear mechanism to resume the 1974 disengagement agreement".

It is important to note that the region is experiencing ongoing tension, as the Israeli army has occupied Mount Sheikh and a security strip 15 kilometers wide in some areas of southern Syria for 7 months, controlling over 40,000 Syrians within the occupied buffer zone. Israel has also occupied most of the Golan Heights since 1967, expanding its occupation in light of the events that led to the overthrow of the previous Syrian regime in late 2024.