US and Syria in talks with Israel on security for south
The United States and Syria are working with Israel on security arrangements for southern Syria, Damascus said Tuesday
WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) — The United States and Syria are working with Israel on security arrangements for southern Syria, Damascus said Tuesday, as part of a roadmap to restore stability after recent unrest.
A Syrian Foreign Ministry statement said Washington, in consultation with Damascus, would seek understandings with Israel “addressing the legitimate security concerns of both Syria and Israel.”
The initiative follows sectarian bloodshed in Druze-majority Sweida province, which spiraled in July from clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin into wider violence.
Israel, citing the need to protect its Druze community, launched airstrikes on Syrian government positions during the crisis. Syrian forces have since pulled heavy weapons from the south, a military official told AFP, saying the withdrawal — extending to about 10 km (six miles) outside Damascus — began two months ago.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in August his government was discussing a demilitarized zone in southern Syria. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed talks on a security deal that would see Israel leave areas it seized in recent months.
Officials from both countries have met several times, with another session reportedly set for Friday in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The roadmap, unveiled by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani alongside Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and US envoy Tom Barrack, includes accountability for attacks on civilians, compensation for victims and a reconciliation process. Barrack hailed the steps as “historic.”
Tensions remain in Sweida, where local Druze groups hold the city and government forces control surrounding areas. Some witnesses and rights monitors accuse Damascus of siding with Bedouin factions during the July clashes.
Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hijri has called for outside protection and, last month, proposed an autonomous region in the south.
Syrian state media recently reported meetings between Shaibani and Israeli minister Ron Dermer in Paris on de-escalation and Sweida’s security. On Tuesday, Damascus named Druze commander Suleiman Abdel Baqi as Suwayda city’s new internal security chief.
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