Israel, Syria Resume Security Talks in Baku Amid Sweida Clashes

Israeli and Syrian officials, along with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and Turkish representatives, are meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss containing hostilities in southern Syria's Sweida region, which has witnessed deadly sectarian clashes and government offensives involving Druze communities. Israel recently conducted airstrikes killing hundreds of Syrian military personnel, aiming to curb Damascus's offensive and protect the Druze minority, who have strong ties to Israel. The talks focus on security arrangements, coordination to prevent escalation, and potential deconfliction deals, with Israel demanding a demilitarized zone and a permanent presence in the buffer zone along the border. Despite the negotiations, Israel has not committed to halting its strikes and continues to maintain high alert along the border, targeting arms dealers linked to Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. The conflict reflects broader regional tensions involving a new Islamist-led Syrian government that replaced Bashar al-Assad's regime, while the U.S. and Turkey mediate efforts to stabilize the volatile front and explore possibilities for broader peace. Israeli and Syrian officials previously met under Turkish mediation, signaling a complex and fragile dialogue amid ongoing military operations and political shifts in Syria.