Israel says conclusion of talks with Syria contingent on demilitarisation, safeguarding Druze

Wed Sep 24 21:45:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

This article, published in The Hindu on September 25, 2025, reports on ongoing negotiations between Israel and Syria. While technically at war since 1948, the two countries are engaged in talks mediated by the United States. The talks, driven by U.S. pressure on Syria, aim for a security pact to de-escalate tensions after Israel’s recent military actions in Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Israel seeks the demilitarization of southwestern Syria and the protection of the Druze population in Syria, while Syria hopes to regain lost territory. While progress has been made, a full peace treaty remains distant.

**News Article:**

**Israel and Syria Negotiating Security Pact Under U.S. Pressure**

**New Delhi, September 25, 2025** – Negotiations between Israel and Syria are underway, mediated by the United States, aiming for a security pact to address ongoing tensions in the region. The talks, reported in The Hindu newspaper, follow heightened Israeli military actions in Syria after the December 8, 2024, ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that progress has been made but an agreement is not imminent. Israel’s primary objectives include the demilitarization of southwestern Syria and ensuring the well-being and security of the Druze population within Syria.

Sources familiar with the negotiations suggest that the U.S.-backed talks are driven by pressure on Syria. While Damascus hopes the agreement will lead to the reversal of recent Israeli land seizures, analysts believe a comprehensive peace treaty remains a distant prospect. The two countries have been technically at war since the creation of Israel in 1948, and Syria does not recognize the state of Israel.

Since Assad’s ouster, Israel has conducted several strikes on Syrian military assets, deployed troops into southern Syria, and advocated for a weak and decentralized Syria, further fueling tensions. The outcome of these negotiations remains crucial for stability in the volatile region.

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