Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi reportedly met with Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Abu Dhabi, in what could be a significant breakthrough in Israeli-Syrian diplomatic engagement as both nations explore potential normalization amid Syria's transitional period.
According to two sources who spoke with the Arab outlet Al-Joumhuriya, Syria's interim president al-Sharaa – also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani – held a meeting with the Israel's National Security Council chief in Emirati capital. One source called the encounter a pivotal step in the ongoing Syrian-Israeli dialogue, some six months after the toppling of the Bashar Assad regime. The sources – a Syrian with knowledge of the negotiations and a regional diplomat – verified that this was not their first meeting.
Two weeks ago, Israel Hayom revealed that Hanegbi told Knesset members in a confidential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee session that Israel maintains direct communication – beyond just indirect channels – with Syria's leadership, including al-Sharaa. On matters of security and diplomatic coordination, Hanegbi confirmed he personally manages these efforts, amid talks of possible ties between Israel and Syria. He also highlighted Syria and Lebanon as leading contenders for normalization with Israel.
In his comments about Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani), Hanegbi was addressing lawmakers concern about a potential Israeli withdrawal from the Syrian buffer zone currently under IDF control. Hanegbi indicated flexibility, stating, "If normalization occurs, we will consider this option."
Hanegbi identified Syria and Lebanon as prime candidates for normalization agreements with Israel, building on the Abraham Accords model. His testimony confirms recent international media reports regarding direct Israeli-Syrian communications while exposing the scope of discussions that encompass both military and political spheres.
