Israel and Syria to resume discussions on security matters in Baku
In a significant development, Israel and Syria are set to hold talks in London regarding a potential security agreement southwest of Damascus. The discussions follow reports by Axios that Israel has presented Damascus with a draft agreement, detailing security arrangements in the area.
The details of the proposed agreement, as provided by informed sources, suggest a two-kilometer expansion of the existing buffer zone on the Syrian side. Syrian forces would be barred from deploying heavy weapons or aircraft in the strip adjacent to the Israeli border, but could maintain police and internal security units.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown interest in meeting Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly later this month. A potential meeting between the two leaders was also mentioned in the Axios report. However, the chances of such a meeting remain slim, according to officials.
The talks will focus on an Israeli proposal for a buffer-zone agreement similar to the 1979 peace treaty with Egypt. Syria, meanwhile, is preparing a counter-proposal to the Israeli agreement. The entire southwest sector would become a no-fly zone for Syrian aircraft, according to sources.
The meeting in London is scheduled for Wednesday, and will be attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Sheibani and Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, along with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack. This will mark the third trilateral meeting, following previous sessions in undisclosed locations.
Interestingly, Israel and Syria will also meet in Azerbaijan on Thursday for separate security talks. Israel has offered a phased withdrawal from territories it occupied in Syria in recent months, but insists on retaining its position on Mount Hermon.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the official Syrian stance on Israel's agreement regarding a security zone southwest of Damascus has not been explicitly stated. Syria acknowledges talks about a security agreement with Israel, but no detailed Syrian official response to this specific Israeli agreement is provided.
The United Nations General Assembly is scheduled for later this month, providing a potential platform for further discussions between Netanyahu and al-Sharaa. As the talks continue, the international community watches with anticipation, hoping for a resolution that brings stability to the region.
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