Israel Nears Security Deal with Syria amid US Envoy Talks

US special envoy Tom Barrack visited Israel to engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials, focusing on security issues involving Syria and Lebanon. The talks aimed to reduce border tensions, with the US urging Israel to scale back military operations in Lebanon and to continue negotiations on a security arrangement with Syria, which reportedly includes demilitarization of the Syrian side of the Golan Heights and prevention of weapon transfers threatening Israel. Parallel discussions involved Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer's meetings with Syrian officials to solidify security arrangements, alongside plans for US and Gulf countries to aid Syria's rehabilitation. Barrack's visit, which also included meetings with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Defense Minister Israel Katz, is part of a broader US strategy to stabilize Israel's borders amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and violations of ceasefire agreements, highlighted by continued Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon and Syria. The envoy's delegation, expected to extend talks to Lebanon with Senator Lindsey Graham, seeks to establish new security frameworks and phased disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for a halt in Israeli military actions. However, the success of these diplomatic efforts depends on the willingness of all parties to commit to formal accords and maintain active communication channels.