Syria’s leadership engage 'Israel', receive threats via Azeri official
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Syrian businessmen reportedly met with Israeli figures in Europe, signaling the new leadership’s openness to normalization amid escalating tensions.
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Syria's interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa, center, signs a temporary constitution for the country, as Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shiban sits to his right, in Damascus, Syria, on March 13, 2025. (AP)
Syrian media have reported secret meetings between Syrian businessmen and Israeli officials in a European capital, according to the Israeli outlet i24.news. The developments suggest that Syria’s new leadership, under transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, may be exploring diplomatic overtures toward "Israel" despite heightened hostilities and occupation of Syrian territories.
According to journalist Atta Farhat, based in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the meetings brought together Syrian intellectuals and business figures with Israeli political representatives. The discussions were described as attempts to present al-Sharaa’s perspective toward "Israel," including a possible intent to improve relations under a new leadership agenda.
Farhat stated that al-Sharaa appears to be seeking ways to demonstrate his desire for peace and “good neighborly relations” with the Israeli regime, even as "Israel" maintains its occupation of Syrian lands and escalates military actions.
Israeli threats, Druze unrest escalate regional tensions
These backchannel talks are unfolding amid deepening sectarian violence in Syria, particularly within Druze-majority regions such as Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. Clashes in these areas have led to casualties and human rights violations, while "Israel" has recently conducted airstrikes near the Syrian presidential palace under the pretext of responding to unrest involving armed groups.
The Israeli outlet reported that "Israel" issued a warning to the Syrian leadership via an Azerbaijani intermediary, accusing Damascus of backing militants in Druze areas.
Read more: Syrian government, Jaramana leaders reach deal on weapons handover
Al-Sharaa open to US-brokered normalization efforts
The covert meetings coincide with statements from US Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.), who met with al-Sharaa in Damascus. Stutzman revealed that the Syrian president expressed willingness to consider joining the US-brokered Abraham Accords, though with unspecified conditions.
“I said, ‘The Abraham Accords — is that something you would be open to?' And he said, ‘Absolutely, but under certain conditions,’” Stutzman told Al-Monitor following his visit.
Read more: Why al-Sharaa is signaling openness to Syria-'Israel' ties: Al-Monitor
