Ahead of this, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will travel to Washington to prepare the meeting.

Senior sources in Jerusalem report growing behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity between Syria and Israel in recent weeks. Arab media claim indirect talks are underway between the two countries, mediated internationally, seeking both to de-escalate tensions in southern Syria and explore a potential peace agreement – the first since talks failed in the 1990s.

According to “Al-Quds Al-Arabi,” a senior Syrian source said negotiations are underway for a phased agreement, involving an Israeli withdrawal from territories captured since December 2024 – including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon – in exchange for a new buffer zone in the Golan Heights. The goal: a signed deal by the end of 2025.

On June 29, LBCI reported Syria’s demands include Israeli recognition of the regime led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani and a full withdrawal from areas seized after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Al-Julani has reportedly confirmed in closed talks that indirect communication with Israel exists, stressing that Syrian sovereignty remains a top priority.

However, many doubt this process has true momentum. Syrian analysts suggest this may lead to a revised security arrangement replacing the 1974 ceasefire agreement, but full peace remains distant – politically and publicly. Public sentiment in Syria, while less hostile than before, is still not ready for such a broad shift.

Security officials warn that despite al-Julani’s pragmatic image, he likely lacks both the will and the ability to enforce any agreement, especially with powerful ideological opposition among armed factions in northern Syria. Moreover, his control is regional and lacks legitimacy across all Syria.

If a peace deal were pursued, the Syrian public might become a source of unrest, possibly even sparking attacks or internal dissent. The current Syrian government is focused on internal stabilization, making peace with Israel a premature goal. Israeli officials advocate media silence to avoid early backlash.

Strategically, Jerusalem is weighing whether this is a risky bet on a weak regime – or a historic chance to pull Syria out of the anti-Israel axis and into the moderate Arab camp.

With Trump back in the Middle East arena, some believe he may broker at least a security arrangement focused on three Israeli concerns: blocking Iranian and Hezbollah presence in southern Syria, stopping weapons smuggling into Lebanon, and securing the Golan border – in return for international aid and some regional legitimacy for al-Julani.

While early signs of movement between Damascus and Jerusalem exist, it's unclear if al-Julani would ever accept a deal without an Israeli Golan withdrawal – and so far, talks remain purely about security.