Israel has engaged in secret talks with Syria’s new leadership, exploring the possibility of Damascus joining the Abraham Accords, multiple sources reported Thursday. The discussions follow a historic meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh — their first direct talks in 25 years.
Mediated by either the UAE or Qatar, the talks have reportedly included security and diplomatic issues. Channel 12 News claims a recent meeting took place in Azerbaijan, with Maj. Gen. Oded Basyuk representing Israel and Turkish officials also present.
Trump, speaking after the Riyadh meeting, said Sharaa expressed interest in joining the Abraham Accords, a normalization framework between Israel and Arab states. “They have a lot of work to do,” Trump noted, but called the interaction promising.
Israel, once highly skeptical of Sharaa — a former Islamist rebel leader with past ties to al-Qaeda — is now reassessing its position. Officials reportedly see a chance to draw Syria out of Iran’s orbit and into closer cooperation with the West. Israel is also weighing how a shift in Syria’s alignment might positively impact its tense relationship with Turkey.
Despite the cautious optimism, Israel continues military operations in Syria and warns against rapid normalization. It remains particularly concerned about the protection of Syrian Druze populations near its northern border and maintains a strategic presence near the Golan Heights.
While the outcome remains uncertain, the talks mark a significant shift in regional dynamics as Washington and Gulf states seek to curb Iran’s influence and reshape alliances in the Middle East.
