Syrian Foreign Minister Says Security Talks with Israel Halted After Israeli Airstrike

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani revealed that security negotiations with Israel were suspended following an Israeli airstrike last week. Speaking to Reuters from Damascus on August 23, 2026, al-Shibani said the two sides were close to a comprehensive agreement earlier this year, which would have included Israeli troop withdrawals from occupied territories and the establishment of UN-monitored buffer zones near the border. However, he accused Israel of lacking genuine commitment to the deal and said the recent attack on the Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib province severed diplomatic contacts.

Al-Shibani expressed hope that talks would resume soon but emphasized Syria's distrust of Israel, stating, "Right now, we do not trust Israel." He urged Jerusalem to seize the "historic opportunity" while diplomatic channels remain open. The minister also criticized Israel's reliance on military force to ensure its security and highlighted ongoing U.S. efforts to broker a security agreement between Israel and the Syrian government of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a new U.S. ally in the region.

The Syrian official denied Israeli claims that Damascus was permitting Turkish troop deployments near the border, calling the airstrike unjustified. He acknowledged military cooperation with Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and others in rebuilding Syria's armed forces. Regarding the Golan Heights, al-Shibani stated Syria respects Israel's security concerns but demands an end to Israeli airspace violations and raids in southern Syria before addressing peace or territorial issues.

Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Brake announced efforts to establish a conflict prevention mechanism involving Israel, Turkey, and Syria. Al-Shibani stressed that such a mechanism must focus on halting Israeli attacks and paving the way for a security agreement, not legitimizing Israeli occupation.