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Syria and Israel are nearing an agreement to de-escalate tensions, with Israel agreeing to halt its attacks and Syria committing not to move any machinery or heavy equipment close to the Israeli border, according to a senior U.S. diplomat.
During a press conference in Damascus on September 16, 2025, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack stated that this preliminary understanding marks an initial step toward a broader security arrangement that the two nations have been negotiating.
Currently, talks focus on securing a ceasefire that would see Israeli airstrikes paused and Israeli forces withdrawn from southern Syria. Although President Donald Trump aimed to finalize an announcement this week, progress has been delayed, partly due to the Jewish New Year holiday. Barrack expressed optimism, noting that all parties are approaching the negotiations sincerely.
The historical rivalry between Israel and Syria persists despite the recent ousting of Syria’s longtime President Bashar al-Assad last December. Ongoing disputes over territory and mutual mistrust remain, with Israel maintaining a hostile stance towards Syria’s government. Israel has pointed to former Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s alleged connections to jihadist groups and continues to support efforts to weaken and decentralize Syria.
Following an escalation in hostilities, Israel abandoned the 1974 truce on December 8, coinciding with a rebel offensive that toppled Assad. Since then, Israel has launched over 1,000 strikes and conducted more than 400 ground incursions into Syria, according to Sharaa last week.
Sharaa, who previously led rebel forces against Assad’s regime, expressed concern that Israel might be intentionally stalling the peace talks, stating, “We are scared of Israel. We are worried about Israel. It’s not the other way around.”
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