Egypt Daily News – Transitional Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated that indirect negotiations with Israel are underway through mediators to calm the situation and prevent it from spiraling out of control. Reuters reported, citing three exclusive sources, that the UAE is leading secret talks between Israel and Syria, aiming to help Syria’s new leadership manage its tense relationship with Tel Aviv.
The UAE is working on multiple fronts, including security and intelligence matters and “building trust between the two countries,” according to a Syrian security source and a regional intelligence official.
One source revealed that Abu Dhabi’s efforts began just days after President al-Sharaa visited the UAE on April 13.
Although the Emirati mediation is currently focused on discussing technical issues, the sources emphasized that “there is no limit to what could be discussed in the future.” Reuters noted that Israeli military operations in Syria are currently outside the scope of the mediation. The process involves Syrian intelligence officials, along with former Israeli and Emirati intelligence figures.
Tensions between Tel Aviv and the Syrian leadership have recently escalated due to clashes between the Syrian General Administration and armed members of the Druze community.
A few days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli army had struck a target near the presidential palace in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Although the Israeli military did not specify the exact target, its statement mentioned that the strike was close to the “Ahmad Hussein al-Sharaa Palace area in Damascus.”
In a joint statement with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Syria’s leadership, calling the strike “a clear message to the Syrian regime,” and affirming that Israel “will not allow Syrian forces to be deployed south of Damascus or threaten the Druze community,” as he put it.
Timeline of Mediation Efforts Between Syria and Israel
April 13, 2025
- Transitional Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa visits the UAE.
- This visit reportedly triggers the start of behind-the-scenes mediation efforts.
Mid-April 2025
- UAE begins secret mediation between Syria and Israel.
- Sources confirm Abu Dhabi is facilitating indirect talks to help manage tensions.
- Discussions initially focus on technical, intelligence, and security matters.
Late April 2025
- Syrian and regional intelligence officials participate in mediation.
- Former Israeli and Emirati intelligence figures are also reportedly involved.
- Confidence-building is a key objective.
Early May 2025
- Tensions flare between Syria and Israel.
- Triggered by clashes involving Druze militias and Syrian government forces.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces a military strike near the Syrian presidential palace.
May 5–6, 2025
- Israel issues a stern warning to Syria.
- Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant state Israel will not tolerate Syrian military presence near southern Damascus or threats to the Druze community.
May 7, 2025 (Present)
- Mediation is ongoing, with no official acknowledgment from either Syria or Israel.
- Emirati mediation remains confidential and open-ended in scope.
- Israeli military activities in Syria are currently not part of the mediation agenda.
