Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli media reports have revealed intensive diplomatic activity led by Russia “behind the scenes,” with the blessing of the administration of US President Donald Trump. The goal is to reach a new security agreement between Israel and Syria. This activity comes amidst rapidly changing circumstances on the ground following the fall of the previous regime. The interim government, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has assumed power in Damascus.
Russia is an “alternative” to Turkey in southern Syria
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) quoted security sources as saying that Moscow has effectively begun to rebuild its ties with the new regime in Damascus. This has translated into a significant increase in the number of Russian troops and equipment operating in the Latakia region.
The Russian vision involves redeploying Syrian army forces in the southern region near the Golan Heights border. They aim to revive security arrangements similar to those in place before the collapse of the Assad regime.
Tel Aviv prefers a Russian presence in southern Syria as a security guarantor. This comes at the expense of any Turkish attempts to strengthen its influence in that sensitive region.
Azerbaijan: “The Secret Channel” and Riyadh’s Warning
The report indicated that Azerbaijan played a pivotal role in hosting secret meetings and communications between high-ranking Israeli and Syrian officials. This took place in the capital, Baku.
Meanwhile, a notable Saudi warning emerged. Kan reported that Riyadh informed Tel Aviv that any excessive Israeli military or political intervention in internal Syrian affairs would hinder the normalization process between the Kingdom and Israel.
Mar-a-Lago Summit: Trump pushes to give Sharia law a “chance”.
For its part, the newspaper “Yedioth Ahronoth” revealed that the Syrian file will be at the top of the table of discussion during the anticipated meeting between Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu at the end of this month.
Key points of divergence between the US and Israel
The Trump administration rejected an Israeli request to maintain some sanctions against Syria as leverage. It prefers to give President Ahmad al-Sharaa “another chance” to prove his seriousness.
The White House is pressing for a resumption of security negotiations, which stalled following the resignation of Minister Ron Dermer. Netanyahu may appoint a figure with a strong security and military background to lead the negotiations in Dermer’s place.
A new Israeli envoy with a security focus
Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu informed US envoy Tom Barrack of his decision. He has chosen a new representative for negotiations with Syria, likely a current official within the security establishment. This is to ensure the formulation of a precise security agreement on the border that achieves the “long-term calm” Israel demands in exchange for opening up to the new Damascus.
The new Syria is caught between the hammer of international pressure and the anvil of security arrangements with Israel. Russia appears to have reclaimed its role as “godfather” to safeguard its interests and secure its borders, amidst a sudden American “openness” to the current Syrian leadership that could reshape the map of alliances in the region.
