Israel-Syria’s Transitional Government talks break over Sweida corridor demand

The talks, mediated by the United States and held in Baku, Paris, and London over recent months, were close to outlining an agreement to create a demilitarized zone in southern Syria, including Sweida. The province experienced sectarian violence in July that killed hundreds of Druze residents.

Israel said it will continue protecting the Druze community in Syria and has already carried out military strikes under this justification. During Paris negotiations, Damascus rejected Israel’s request for a land corridor to Sweida, calling it a violation of sovereignty. Israel’s recent insistence on reopening the request delayed the announcement of the agreement this week, according to Syrian and U.S. sources.

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said Tuesday that the immediate goal is a “de-escalation agreement,” in which Israel would halt attacks while the transitional government avoids moving heavy equipment near the border. This could be the first step toward a broader security deal. However, a diplomat noted that Washington is lowering expectations “from a full security agreement to a temporary calm.”

Another Syrian official said the atmosphere before meetings in New York had been “positive,” but communication with Israel broke off last week. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that any deal is “conditional on protecting Israel’s interests, including disarming southwestern Syria and ensuring Druze safety.”

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ANHA