Syria and Israel: What Was Discussed Between the Delegations in the Jordanian Meeting Mediated by the U.S.؟

The high-level Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asad al-Shibani, met on Sunday with a high-level Israeli delegation in Jordan, under American mediation, as part of efforts to reduce tensions following the Israeli bombing of the "Abu al-Duhur" base in southern Syria.

A diplomatic source at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that the Syrian delegation also included the heads of the General Intelligence and Military Intelligence services, and the meeting was part of broader efforts to support stability in Syria and the region.

The source added that discussions centered on "establishing practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, arrests, and targeting operations, and reviving the negotiation track with the goal of reaching a security agreement that could serve as a foundation for a more comprehensive future agreement."

The Syrian side emphasized, according to the source, that "Syria is a sovereign state and has full right to rebuild and develop its national army, and to determine its alliances and partnerships in line with its national interests," adding that it would not accept any arrangements or mechanisms that would restrict these sovereign rights.

Reaffirming "Syria's Golan"

The diplomatic source noted that the Syrian delegation reiterated Damascus's position that "the occupied Golan is Syrian land," while acknowledging that final status discussions and the path toward resolution remain premature at this stage, with the immediate priority being the withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-8 December 2024 lines, and the full reactivation and implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

The source further stated that discussions also addressed "the importance of supporting Syria’s stability and regional security, including efforts aimed at bridging differences between Turkey and Israel, and ensuring that tensions between the two countries do not spill over onto Syrian territory."

The meeting also focused on "taking concrete steps to de-escalate the situation, alongside exploring ways to return to the negotiation track, with Syria reaffirming that any security arrangements must respect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sovereign rights," according to SANA’s report from the source.

Director of Mossad

Earlier on Sunday, Axios reported that three informed sources said a meeting took place between Syria and Israel, chaired by Shibani and Israel’s Mossad director Roman Gaufman, shortly after the Israeli air force bombed the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northern Syria.

Israel claimed the strike aimed to prevent a Turkish military buildup at the base, citing intelligence reports indicating Turkey planned to deploy drones and radar systems there—claims denied by Syria.

In recent days, U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barak and other senior American officials have urged Israel, Turkey, and Syria to resume dialogue.

Shibani told Axios on Wednesday that "there was no intention to establish a Turkish base there, nor to create a permanent Turkish military presence or deploy Turkish troops at the site."

Shibani acknowledged that Turkish military officers had visited the base just days before the Israeli strike, but clarified that this was part of "ongoing military cooperation in training and expertise exchange." He added that he had conveyed this information to the Israeli government prior to the strike, yet Israel proceeded regardless.

"The Door Is Open for Diplomacy"

Syrian Foreign Minister told Reuters on Saturday that Damascus expects negotiations with Israel to resume soon on a security agreement, hoping it could lead to Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territory, and urged Israel to seize a "historic opportunity," affirming that "the door is open for diplomacy."

Shibani also stressed that halting Israeli attacks is his top priority, stating that confidence-building measures are essential in this direction, saying: "After the Iran war froze negotiations, we hope they will resume soon so we can complete this process."

He added: "We do not currently trust Israel," pointing out that communications had broken off after the Israeli airstrike targeting the Abu al-Duhur airbase.

For over a year, Washington has sought to broker a security agreement between Israel and the government of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, but the deal remains elusive, as Israel has deployed forces into Syrian territory and attacked government sites, citing "security threats."