In a rare meeting in Abu Dhabi, former senior Israeli security officials held talks with Syrian President Abu Mohammad al-Julani to discuss potential security cooperation.
Among those present was Col. (res.) Dr. Jacques Neriah, former political adviser to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who described it as “a rare convergence of interests.” He explained: “Israel doesn’t want militias near its border, and al-Julani fears our ties with the Druze and Kurds, which could threaten his rule.”
Neriah suggested that a silent agreement might allow Israel to intervene against militia incursions into the Golan Heights, in exchange for a Syrian commitment not to harm minority groups. Speaking about the Hermon region, he emphasized: “It’s the eyes and ears of the state—a top-tier strategic outpost.”
As for recent arrests of jihadist operatives in Syria, Neriah believes they are not goodwill gestures toward Israel, but rather part of al-Julani’s internal struggle. “He’s surrounded by around 20 jihadist groups and is fighting for his own survival,” he said, adding: “Rabin always told me—if you need to talk to the devil to make peace, then you talk to the devil.”