Syria’s foreign minister said the government expects security negotiations with Israel to resume within weeks, despite deep mistrust and the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Reuters in Damascus on August 22 that Damascus remains open to talks aimed at securing Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territory, a framework Washington has promoted for more than a year. Negotiations have been frozen since the start of hostilities with Iran, and contacts were severed after Israel bombed a Syrian air base days before the interview.
The U.S. has pushed for an agreement between Israel and President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, which Washington views as a new ally in the Middle East. A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the reported negotiations.
Israel occupied parts of southwest Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024, citing security threats and striking dozens of military installations. Israeli officials have described Syria’s new rulers as disguised jihadists, though President Sharaa has repeatedly stated that Syria poses no threat to neighboring countries. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to a request for comment.
Al-Shaibani said Syria would pursue dialogue despite skepticism, adding that Damascus is extending an olive branch for regional stability. He noted that Israel’s reliance on military force had failed to secure its objectives and expressed cautious optimism that talks would restart soon.
The 14-year conflict has left Syria focused on reconstruction, while the absence of a formal peace process leaves the two countries in a state of neither war nor peace. No date has been set for renewed negotiations, and both sides remain far apart on core security guarantees.
