‘Israel’ and Syria Engage in Direct Discussions as Jolani Continues Efforts to Mend Ties

Ongoing negotiations are primarily centered around collaborative security measures, including efforts to limit Israeli intrusions into Syrian border communities. According to regional and Western sources, these discussions could potentially lay the groundwork for more comprehensive political agreements.

According to a source familiar with the backchannel discussions, the current focus is on achieving peace, defined as the absence of war, rather than pursuing normalization.

Earlier this month, Jolani, also identified as Ahmed al-Sharaa, acknowledged the existence of indirect negotiations with Israel, with the stated objective of reducing tensions.

In a recent development, Syria’s leadership has sanctioned the transfer of a collection of items that once belonged to the late Israeli intelligence operative, Eli Cohen.

Jolani, previously associated with al-Qaeda and Daesh, spearheaded the HTS militants in toppling the regime of President Bashar al-Assad last year.

The hardline Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group successfully captured Damascus on December 8, following a rapid military campaign that originated in Aleppo province two weeks prior. This offensive effectively concluded Assad’s 24-year reign.

The HTS administration has been implicated in severe human rights violations in Syria, specifically targeting minority groups such as the Alawite minority. These actions have garnered significant condemnation from the international community.

Earlier this month, a series of violent confrontations between gunmen from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and members of a Druze community in Syria resulted in dozens of fatalities, heightening concerns over the potential for deadly sectarian violence.

The Druze minority has historically backed the Assad regime and opposed Israeli occupation and expansionist actions, notably in the occupied Golan Heights.

Following the takeover, HTS, led by Jolani, initiated efforts that analysts have described as attempts to shift focus from its history. This includes outreach initiatives aimed at establishing formal communication with Western nations like France.

In the most recent developments, the United States is urging the new rulers of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Damascus to forge diplomatic ties with Israel.

In a recent tour of several Arab states within the Persian Gulf region, Trump suggested following discussions with Jplani that the Syrian leader expressed openness to eventually normalizing relations with Israel.

Trump announced intentions to eliminate all of Washington’s sanctions on Syria following reports that the new administration in the Arab nation has suggested establishing “peace” with Israel, the United States’ key regional ally.

Trump announced this while on a visit to the kingdom, making the declaration in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

Trump also indicated to the Israeli government that it should endeavor to establish an agreement with the HTS leaders.

Israel has been actively engaging with Washington in efforts to ensure the country remains weakened and decentralized.

In the midst of escalating violence, Israel has initiated a wave of airstrikes, notably targeting an area adjacent to the presidential palace with a vantage point over Damascus. The aerial offensive has resulted in the significant destruction of the Arab nation’s military infrastructure.

Recent reports suggest that numerous high-ranking Palestinian resistance leaders have departed Syria, and their factions have been disarmed, following increased pressure from the nation’s new leadership.