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

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani announced that security negotiations with Israel were suspended following an Israeli airstrike last week. Speaking to Reuters from Damascus on August 23, 2026, al-Shibani revealed that earlier this year the two sides had nearly finalized a security agreement aimed at halting Israeli attacks and facilitating Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories in Syria. The proposed deal included establishing buffer zones near the border, with some areas monitored by UN forces and others by Syrian troops.

Despite the progress, al-Shibani accused Israel of lacking genuine commitment to the agreement and said the recent Israeli strike on the Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib province severed communication between the countries. He expressed hope for resuming talks 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 airstrike, which Israel justified by alleging Syrian plans to host Turkish forces at the base, was denied by both Damascus and Ankara. Al-Shibani acknowledged ongoing military cooperation with Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and others, thanking Turkey for its support in rebuilding Syria’s army. He stressed Syria’s priority is to stop Israeli aggression before addressing broader peace issues or the future of the Golan Heights.

The United States has been pushing for a security agreement between Israel and Syria for over a year, with special envoy Tom Brake working to establish a conflict prevention mechanism involving Israel, Turkey, and Syria. Al-Shibani noted no agreement yet exists on this mechanism and insisted its role must be to halt Israeli attacks and pave the way for a security deal, not to legitimize Israeli occupation.

Al-Shibani criticized Israel’s approach as relying on brute force and expressed cautious optimism that sustained U.S. pressure might revive negotiations. He concluded by stating Syria extends its hand toward peace, diplomacy, and regional stability despite current tensions.