Reuters: The UAE is mediating secret talks between Syria and Israel

Reuters reported, citing informed sources, that the UAE has opened a secret communication channel between the new Syrian government and Israel, in an unprecedented move aimed at easing escalating security tensions on Syria’s southern border.

This initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to strengthen its regional role as a mediator on sensitive issues, especially after signing the normalization agreement with Tel Aviv in 2020.

According to three sources close to the matter, these talks are being conducted indirectly and are currently limited to sensitive security and intelligence matters, far from any broader political or military discussions.

The meetings focus on exchanging information on counterterrorism and building trust between the two sides, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Damascus and Tel Aviv.

In this regard, the Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported that high-ranking Syrian officials visited Tel Aviv last month.

The newspaper reported that the visit was secret and lasted for two days, and that its goal was to open a communication channel between Damascus and Tel Aviv, mediated by the UAE.

The meeting didn’t address a peace agreement or normalization, but rather, its goal was security coordination, and the issue of Iranian forces’ activity in Syria was discussed.

Haaretz concluded by pointing out that the officials were from President Ahmed al Sharaa’s security department.

This move came days after Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa’s visit to the UAE on April 13, which diplomatic sources described as the launching point for this secret channel and opening the door to further openness in the future, should political circumstances evolve.

Information indicates that security officials from the UAE and Syria, as well as former Israeli experts, participated in these conversations, which were recorded shortly before Israel carried out airstrikes targeting sites near the presidential palace in Damascus.

Clarifying its position, Damascus denied any intention to provoke Israel, and affirmed—in an official document reviewed by Reuters—that it “won’t allow Syria to be a source of threat to any party, including Israel,” in a message believed to have been intended to allay Israeli concerns.

For its part, Israel justified its recent airstrikes as a preemptive response to protect the Druze community in Syria, amid escalating sectarian tensions within the country.

Tel Aviv says it has a duty to intervene if it feels minorities are in danger, a message also directed at the new Syrian government at the beginning of its term.

The UAE’s recent move is part of a broader strategy by Abu Dhabi aimed at promoting regional stability through dialogue and mediation, particularly amid growing concerns about the rise of Islamist movements within Syria after more than a decade of war.

Damascus faces growing challenges in consolidating its authority and improving its international image, particularly with the ongoing Israeli military operations on its territory and continued Western sanctions.

A meeting between UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and his Syrian counterpart resulted in a clear political rapprochement, paving the way for the establishment of this unofficial channel, which could pave the way for broader discussions in the future, including normalization and reconstruction issues.