Syria, Israel Hold High-Level Talks in Jordan to Ease Tensions

Syria and Israel engaged in high-level talks in Jordan on April 23, aiming to de-escalate tensions that have risen following recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian territory. The meeting, facilitated by the United States and hosted by Jordan, brought together Syrian and Israeli delegations to discuss measures for reducing regional friction.

The Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Assad Al-Shaibani, met with a senior Israeli delegation, reportedly including Roman Gofman, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. According to Syrian state news agency SANA, the discussions centered on lowering tensions post-airstrikes and preventing the conflict between Israel and Turkey from spilling into Syrian territory. Syria presented its position, demanding that Israeli forces withdraw to pre-collapse lines and that the 1974 Syrian-Israeli troop separation agreement be fully restored.

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The negotiations discussed the issue of reviving the negotiation process with the aim of signing a security agreement that could serve as a foundation for more comprehensive future agreements.

Both sides reportedly explored the establishment of a "special operations room" or a joint liaison and coordination mechanism in Jordan, operating under U.S. supervision. This body would be responsible for security coordination, border control, and preventing accidental clashes. SANA reported that the talks also aimed to revive negotiations for a security agreement that could serve as a foundation for more comprehensive future accords.

These discussions follow an Israeli airstrike on the Abu Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria on April 18. Israel claimed the strike was intended to prevent Turkish forces from deploying at the facility, a claim Turkey denied. U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrett, criticized the airstrike as an "unnecessary escalation" that did not contribute to regional stability. Previously, in January, Syria and Israel had agreed to establish information-sharing and communication channels to reduce tensions, but negotiations stalled after the outbreak of the Iran war. The recent airstrikes prompted Syria to cut off contact with Israel.

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This airstrike is an unnecessary escalation that does not contribute to regional stability.