Israel vows to maintain military presence in Syria amid de-escalation talks

Tensions between Israel and Syria remain high following recent military actions and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently visited a military base in the occupied southern Golan Heights, declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the area. Katz stated that the presence is necessary to prevent threats and mitigate risks from the new Syrian administration.

In response to Israeli military presence and recent airstrikes, Syria has condemned the actions as violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has called on the international community to take measures to stop these perceived violations.

Amidst these frictions, high-level talks were held in Jordan, mediated by the United States, to discuss de-escalation. A Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaybani met with Israeli representatives, including Mossad chief Roman Hoffman. The discussions focused on preventing conflict from spreading, particularly regarding tensions involving Turkey, and explored the possibility of establishing a joint coordination mechanism or a ‘special operations room’ in Jordan under U.S. supervision to manage border control and prevent accidental clashes. Syria has called for a return to the 1974 disengagement lines.