Israel, Syria officials discuss normalization in secret Azerbaijan talks

Israeli and Syrian officials discussed the possibility of joining the Abraham Accords, including normalization and a border agreement, during secret talks in Azerbaijan. Türkiye was also involved in the discussions.

It has emerged that Israel has been conducting secret talks with the new Syrian administration led by HTS. According to reports from Channel 12 television, relayed by The Times of Israel, recent contacts involved discussions on Syria’s potential accession to the Abraham Accords and the prospect of normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel. It was reported that the talks were facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the newspaper Haaretz wrote that Qatar was also involved in the process and that discussions had been ongoing for months.

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, confirmed last week that security-related discussions were continuing through mediators but did not comment on possible diplomatic relations.

Channel 12 reported that a meeting was recently held in Azerbaijan, during which the head of the Israeli Army Operations Directorate, Major General Oded Basyuk, met with representatives from the new Syrian administration. According to the report, Turkish officials were also present at the meeting.

Last week, US President Donald Trump invited Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, to join the Abraham Accords. Trump reiterated this invitation during his meeting with Shara in Riyadh. Following the meeting, he stated, “I suggested to him that he join the agreement, and he said yes.” However, Trump indicated that they were at the beginning of the process, saying, “There is still much to be done.”

According to Channel 12, Israel greeted Trump’s lifting of sanctions against Syria with cautious optimism. This is because Israel is not disregarding the possibility that this situation could affect the shaping of its northern border and future relations between the two countries.

This situation differs from Israel’s previous stance. According to the report, Israel had previously been hesitant about the idea of interacting with the Shara administration, which it had labeled “terrorist” and which has a history with groups linked to Al-Qaeda. However, the view is now gaining traction that Syria could move out from under Iran’s influence and potentially come under the influence of the US. It is assessed that these developments could also have a positive impact on Israel-Türkiye relations.

According to a Reuters report from February, Israel advocates for Syria to remain decentralized and isolated from the outside world. In this context, Israel continues its diplomatic pressure on the US, particularly with the promise of protecting the Druze community living in the north.

Israel’s military operations in Syria also continue after the overthrow of the Assad regime. Israel continues to bomb former regime military targets across the country and has also deployed ground troops to the Syrian side of the Golan Heights and some points south of Damascus.