Mossad Chief and Syrian Foreign Minister Hold Talks Amid Regional Tensions

Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reportedly met in Jordan on Sunday for U.S.-mediated discussions. The meeting aimed to de-escalate tensions following a recent Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northern Syria and to revive stalled security negotiations regarding the 1974 disengagement framework.

Israel conducted the strike to prevent the potential installation of Turkish radar and air-defense systems at the site, citing concerns over Turkey’s growing military influence near its borders. While Israeli officials maintain the action was necessary for national security, Syrian authorities have denied that the airbase was being repurposed for Turkish use. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack characterized the strike as an unnecessary escalation, though Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel provided warnings and intelligence prior to the operation.

These diplomatic efforts occur as Syria’s new leadership seeks to rebuild its military and foreign alliances following the 2024 fall of the Assad government. Both nations are navigating a shifting regional landscape as Israel works to prevent hostile forces from establishing a strategic foothold within Syrian territory.