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The United Arab Emirates has quietly facilitated backchannel talks between Israel and Syria, sources familiar with the matter speking to the Reuters claims.
The indirect discussions, which have not been previously reported, focus on security and intelligence concerns, as well as confidence-building measures between the two countries that have no formal diplomatic relations.
The mediation effort, which started shortly after Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa's visit to the UAE on April 13, aims to address technical matters related to counterterrorism and security, a source with direct knowledge of the discussions stated. The scope of the talks remains fluid, with no restrictions on potential topics, though they are currently centered on "technical matters," one of the sources explained.
A senior Syrian security source indicated that the backchannel is strictly limited to security-related issues. It primarily covers counterterrorism concerns but does not extend to military operations, such as Israeli activities within Syria, according to the source.
The backchannel involves key players from UAE security, Syrian intelligence, and former Israeli intelligence officials, with further details remaining confidential due to the sensitivity of the situation. Neither Syria's presidency nor the UAE Foreign Ministry responded to Reuters’ requests for comment, and the Israeli Prime Minister's office declined to provide any statement on the matter.
The UAE's mediation effort began ahead of Israeli airstrikes in Syria last week, including one just 500 meters from the presidential palace in Damascus. While it is unclear whether the newly established backchannel has been utilized since the strikes, sources pointed to the ongoing informal mediation efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Israel has framed these airstrikes as a response to threats posed by Syria’s Druze population, a minority sect found in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Israel has targeted what it considers threats to its security emanating from Syria, particularly the growing influence of Iran and Hezbollah in the region.
According to sources, additional informal mediation has been taking place through other diplomatic channels, with some regional diplomats working toward calming tensions between Israel and Syria. These talks come amidst a backdrop of violent clashes between Sunni Muslim and Druze factions in Syria, a conflict that has left more than two dozen people dead in recent days.
Syria's government has condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them an escalation and foreign interference in the country's internal affairs. Despite this, Syria's new leadership has made several efforts to reassure Israel that it does not pose a threat. These efforts have included diplomatic engagements with the Jewish community, both domestically and abroad, and actions against Palestinian groups linked to the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Syria’s foreign ministry has issued a statement to the U.S. State Department, stating that it will not allow its territory to be used as a source of threat to any country, including Israel. This message signals Syria's attempt to signal to Israel that it seeks to manage regional relations without posing a direct threat.
Israel's ongoing military campaign in Syria, aimed at weakening Iran’s influence, has intensified since 2021, with Israel emphasizing its concerns about Syria’s newly formed leadership. The UAE, which has established diplomatic ties with Israel as part of the 2020 Abraham Accords, has been cautious regarding Syria’s new rulers.
However, a recent meeting between President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE and President Sharaa of Syria was reportedly constructive, which helped ease some of Abu Dhabi’s concerns. The subsequent backchannel talks with Israel were set up soon after.
TWEET: UAE reportedly mediates secret talks between Israel and Syria, focusing on security issues. Discussions come amid rising tensions and Israeli airstrikes
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