Syria’s al-Sharaa Confirms Indirect Talks with Israel Amid Rising Tensions

Syria’s al-Sharaa Confirms Indirect Talks with Israel Amid Rising Tensions

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has confirmed that his government is engaged in indirect talks with Israel through mediators, in an effort to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.

The announcement follows a recent surge in Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, including one that struck just 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the presidential palace in Damascus last Friday. Israel claimed the strikes were in response to perceived threats against its minority Druze community.

“There are indirect talks with Israel through mediators to calm and attempt to absorb the situation so that it does not reach a level that both sides lose control over,” al-Sharaa said.

He accused Israel of “random interventions” in Syrian affairs and said Damascus was in contact with countries that have ties with Israel to pressure it to cease strikes on Syrian infrastructure.

Israeli officials have not issued any official comment regarding the talks.

First European Visit and Call to Lift Sanctions

Al-Sharaa made the remarks during a landmark visit to Paris, his first trip to a European country since assuming power following the toppling of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. His visit was made possible by a special exemption from the United Nations, as al-Sharaa remains under international sanctions due to his previous leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate.

While speaking in Paris after his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, al-Sharaa called for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed during previous regimes.

“Nothing justifies maintaining sanctions imposed on the previous regimes,” he said.

President Macron stated that France would consider gradually lifting EU sanctions if Syria continues along its current trajectory.

“I told the president that if he continues on his path, we would do the same — starting with a gradual lifting of EU sanctions, and we would also lobby our American partners to follow suit,” Macron said.

Some EU restrictions have already been eased, while other targeted sanctions are set to expire on June 1. However, lifting sanctions in key sectors such as oil, gas, electricity, and transportation remains crucial for Syria. The World Bank estimates that rebuilding the country could cost more than $250 billion.

While some European countries are open to easing restrictions, the United States has been more cautious. Macron revealed that he has urged the U.S. to delay its planned military withdrawal from Syria and to prioritize sanctions relief as a step toward long-term stability.

Western Expectations and Future Commitments

Al Jazeera’s correspondent Natacha Butler, reporting from Paris, said:

“In return, Macron expects Syria’s new government to protect minorities, ensure stability, and crack down on what he called terrorist organisations, including ISIS.”

Butler added that al-Sharaa’s visit is seen as an attempt to reassure Western allies about the direction of Syria’s new leadership, which many remain cautiously optimistic about.

Source:

Al Jazeera. (2025, May 19). Syria’s al-Sharaa confirms indirect talks with Israel amid soaring tensions. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com