Syrian President Confirms Indirect Negotiations to Halt Israeli Strikes via International Mediators

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara announced on Wednesday that his administration is pursuing indirect negotiations through international mediators to halt Israeli military assaults on Syrian territory, in what appears to be part of a broader, discreet diplomatic effort between Damascus and Tel Aviv.

The statement came during a meeting between al-Shara and tribal leaders and dignitaries from the Quneitra province and the occupied Golan Heights. According to Syria's state news agency (SANA), the discussions covered a range of issues, including living conditions, essential services, and regional security.

Al-Shara listened to grievances voiced by local leaders concerning repeated Israeli incursions and airstrikes targeting their communities. In response, he emphasized his government’s active engagement in indirect talks mediated by international actors, aimed at putting an end to these violations.

National Unity and Civil Engagement

Beyond the security dossier, al-Shara underlined the critical role of tribal elders in fostering national cohesion and conveying the concerns of citizens to the central government. His remarks highlighted an effort to strengthen internal dialogue amid persistent external pressures.

Direct Israeli-Syrian Dialogue Reported

Al-Shara’s comments come against the backdrop of growing reports of clandestine diplomacy between Israel and Syria. On Tuesday, Israel Hayom revealed that Tzachi Hanegbi, head of Israel’s National Security Council, is overseeing direct political and security coordination with Syrian officials. Hanegbi confirmed that these communications are ongoing “daily and at all levels,” including both political and military channels.

The Israeli official also suggested that this opening could potentially lead to Syria and Lebanon joining the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.

Prospects of Golan Heights Reassessment

In a notable shift, Hanegbi did not rule out the possibility of reconsidering Israel’s military presence in the disengagement zone of the occupied Golan Heights should normalization with Syria progress. “If a normalization process occurs, we will consider the matter,” he stated.

Covert Diplomacy Gains Traction

Earlier in May, Reuters reported that face-to-face meetings between Israeli and Syrian officials had taken place in recent weeks. The talks reportedly focused on de-escalation and efforts to prevent open conflict along the two countries' tense border.

Though official diplomatic relations remain severed, these developments signal a potential recalibration in regional diplomacy amid escalating military confrontations and realignments in the Middle East.