Syria Explores Steps to Ease Tensions with Israel Amid Recent Strikes

Diplomatic efforts are underway in Damascus to prevent further escalation with Israel following recent Israeli airstrikes in northern Syria. A Syrian source familiar with the leadership's stance told Kan News that the current regime is concerned about the potential expansion of Israeli attacks and aims to maintain stability and remain in power without giving Israel justification to disrupt it. This suggests Syria may be reconsidering its increased military cooperation with Turkey, which could backfire.

Earlier, the American news site Axios reported that Mossad chief Ronen Gutfman met with Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaybani to reduce tensions after the strike on the Al-Duhur airbase between Monday and Tuesday. According to an informed source, the meeting took place in a positive atmosphere. Israel declined to comment, while the United States is working to mediate between the sides to continue negotiations on a non-aggression security agreement.

Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaybani expressed hope for renewed talks with Israel soon, noting that relations were severed after last week's strike and urging Israel to seize the "historic opportunity." He stated that earlier this year, the parties had nearly agreed on a deal involving a buffer zone with UN forces and areas for Syrian troops, in exchange for halting Israeli strikes and withdrawing from territories captured since Assad's fall. However, Israel reportedly avoided implementing the agreement.

Last week, Kan News reported that Syria was encouraged by U.S. envoy Tom Barrett's condemnation of the strike on the military airport, interpreting it as a sign that the U.S. would pressure Israel to stop such attacks. Although the incident caused displeasure in Syria, it did not end the desire to reach a security agreement.