Israeli media: Ahmed al Sharaa approved to open an office for Israel in Syria

The Israeli website i24NEWS quoted a Syrian source close to the head of the Syrian transitional president, Ahmed al Sharaa, as saying that Damascus is showing openness to a security initiative supported by the United States in coordination with Israel, which includes the establishment of a joint mechanism for security and military cooperation.

The initiative aims to “promote stability in southern Syria, dismantle outlaw militias, and deepen Syrian-US relations,” according to i24NEWS.

The source explained that Syria also doesn’t mind the idea of Israel opening a liaison office in Damascus, provided that it’s without a diplomatic capacity, in an unprecedented step after decades of estrangement and hostility between the two countries, which may indicate a shift towards direct coordination, albeit limited.

The same source revealed that Israel has asked Washington to postpone the conclusion of a separate security agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), in order to allow it to arrange its security understandings with the Syrian government.

Israel is believed to be seeking to strengthen its negotiating position by exploiting the tension between Damascus and the SDF, as well as the unrest in the Druze-majority province of Swaida.

These developments follow a meeting in Paris mediated by Syrian and Israeli officials, which included a joint statement that stated that the two sides agreed to establish a joint liaison mechanism, which is a permanent liaison cell, to coordinate intelligence exchange, de-escalate military escalation, diplomatic engagement, and explore potential trade opportunities, under US supervision.

US Syria envoy Tom Barrack said the ongoing contacts between Syrian and Israeli officials represent a real qualitative shift, stressing that the goal is to establish a relationship based on clarity and partnership, which transcends the complexities of the past and moves toward future cooperation.

Speaking to the i24NEWS, Barrack explained that the talks between the two sides are witnessing remarkable progress, within the framework of a series of high-level meetings held under the auspices of the United States, which reflects the seriousness of the two sides in opening a new path for relations.

These meetings resulted in a consensus on the establishment of a joint framework for the exchange of intelligence information, which is supposed to be a tool for resolving differences and allow for permanent intelligence communication that contributes to reducing the level of military tension, he said.

He indicated that the proposed mechanism will include representatives of Syria, Israel and the United States, some of whom will work remotely from a base located in a neutral third country, which does not belong to either party.

Barrack pointed out that the talks went beyond the security aspect, as the two parties began, for the first time in modern history, to discuss joint civil issues that include the fields of health, agriculture and energy, considering that the focus on development and economic opportunities, along with direct dialogue, forms the basis for long-term cooperation.

The new Syrian government was also quoted as clearly asserting that it doesn’t harbor any hostile intentions towards Israel, and that it seeks a relationship based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

He added that Israel, in turn, “shows interest and enthusiasm to build a new relationship with its neighbor, and expresses its satisfaction with the transition from the stage of hostility to one led by a Syrian regime that is open to positive and constructive cooperation”.

The United States presented a proposal to Syria and Israel, during a meeting of high-level officials from the two countries under the auspices of the United States in Paris on Tuesday, a proposal for a security agreement that includes the establishment of a joint economic zone on both sides of the border between the two countries.

The United States has presented Israel and Syria with a new proposal for a security agreement between them, which includes the establishment of a joint economic zone on both sides of the border.

“This economic zone will include wind farms, agricultural areas, the best ski resort in the Middle East, along with the Druze community, which is known for its hospitality,” according to US official.

The US official noted that regional partners had already committed to funding the project, but declined to name any countries.

A US media source reported that the fifth round of negotiations between Israel and Syria concluded in Paris on Tuesday, noting that it was positive.

The official explained that Israel and Syria agreed in Paris to accelerate the pace of negotiations, meet frequently and take steps to build trust.

He added that the Israeli and Syrian delegations expressed their desire to reach a security agreement in line with Trump’s vision for the Middle East.