The Syrian Foreign Ministry has revealed details of a high-level meeting between a Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and an Israeli delegation in Jordan, in talks mediated by the United States and hosted by Jordan to discuss de-escalation and rising tensions in southern Syria.
A Syrian diplomatic source told the Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA, that the Syrian delegation included Shibani as well as the heads of Syria’s General Intelligence and Military Intelligence services.
The meeting focused on the repercussions of recent Israeli strikes on Syrian territory and ways to support stability in Syria and the wider region, according to the source.
Syria Calls for an End to Israeli Attacks
The discussions focused on developing practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, arrests and targeting operations, while also seeking to revive negotiations aimed at reaching a security agreement that could eventually serve as the foundation for a broader settlement.
During the meeting, the Syrian side stressed that Syria is a sovereign state with the right to rebuild and develop its national army and determine its alliances and partnerships in accordance with its own interests.
Damascus also rejected any arrangements that could restrict its sovereign rights or limit its ability to determine its defense and foreign policy.
Syria Reaffirms Its Position on the Golan Heights
Syria reiterated its position that the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian territory, while stressing that discussing the territory’s final status and the path toward resolving the issue remains premature at this stage.
Damascus said its immediate priority is the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the lines that existed before December 8, 2024, as well as the reactivation and full implementation of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
Talks Also Addressed Turkey-Israel Tensions
The discussions also addressed efforts to support stability in Syria and maintain regional security, including attempts to ease tensions between Turkey and Israel and prevent the dispute between Ankara and Tel Aviv from spilling over into Syrian territory.
The Syrian source said the meeting explored practical steps to reduce tensions while examining ways to return to a negotiating process, emphasizing that any security arrangements must respect Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and sovereign rights.
Rare Direct Contact Between Syria and Israel
Earlier, Axios reported that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani had met with Israeli Mossad chief Ronan Bar, in a rare development that reflected efforts by both sides to establish a direct channel of communication to contain the crisis and prevent a wider confrontation.
The meeting comes as Syria’s new administration seeks to rebuild its relations with Arab and Western countries, while Israel is seeking to strengthen the security of its northern border and prevent what it considers hostile military deployments near its territory.
