Israel-Syria Talks Resume Amid Southern Syria Clashes

Israel and Syria have resumed security dialogue mediated by Turkey and the United States following recent sectarian clashes and Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria’s Sweida province. Israel demands a demilitarized zone along the Israel-Syria border and a permanent presence in the buffer zone, while not committing to halt its strikes. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi discussed the ceasefire process in southern Syria and emphasized the need for regional unity against efforts to divide Syria amid escalating violence between Bedouin Arab tribes and Druze groups. Despite Israeli claims of protecting Druze communities, most Druze leaders reject foreign interference and support Syrian unity. The Syrian government announced multiple ceasefire deals in Suwayda to restore order since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Additionally, Jordan and Lebanon continue to strengthen military cooperation to address regional security challenges.