Syria Seeks Diplomatic Solution With Israel Via US Mediation

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani announced on September 1 that Syria is pursuing a diplomatic solution with Israel through United States mediation. This effort follows a period of intense instability since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, during which Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes and repeated incursions into Syrian territory.

Al-Shaibani reported 65 incursions in July and 52 in early August, specifically criticizing Israeli raids in Quneitra and the Damascus countryside. The Syrian government is demanding an Israeli withdrawal to positions held before December 2024 and a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement. In contrast, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has pledged to maintain troops in a southern security zone to counter ongoing security threats.

Recent diplomatic activity includes direct talks in Jordan, where al-Shaibani reportedly met with Mossad head Roman Gofman. These efforts build upon negotiations held in Paris in January, which established an intelligence-sharing mechanism between the two parties.