The UAE opens an undisclosed channel for talks between Israel and Syria.

Three informed sources have reported that the UAE has opened a communication channel for talks between Israel and Syria, at a time when the new Syrian administration is seeking regional support to manage a relationship that is increasingly hostile towards Israel. An informed source, a Syrian security official, and a regional intelligence official have clarified that the indirect communications, not previously announced, focus on security and intelligence issues and building trust between two countries that do not have official relations. The first source described the efforts, which began days after Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara's visit to the UAE on April 13, as currently focusing on "technical issues," adding, "There is no limit to what the discussion may ultimately include." According to Reuters, a senior Syrian security source stated that the communication channel is strictly limited to security issues, with a focus on various counterterrorism files. The source added that military matters, especially those related to Israeli army activities in Syria, are currently outside the scope of discussions. According to the source, Emirati security officials, Syrian intelligence officials, and former Israeli intelligence officials have participated in the communication channel, among others. The Syrian presidency and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not yet responded to a request for comment. The Israeli Prime Minister's office refrained from commenting. Mediation efforts took place before Israeli strikes on Syria last week, including a raid just 500 meters away from the presidential palace in Damascus.