** Israel and the Syrian regime: a changing dynamic through direct talks **
The recent announcement of direct talks between Israel and the new Syrian regime raises essential questions on the evolution of diplomatic relations in the Middle East. According to an Israeli source, discussions took place in Azerbaijan, involving General Oded Basyuk, head of the Israeli army operations department, and representatives of the Syrian government in the presence of Turkish officials. Although the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have neither confirmed nor denied the holding of these talks, the very existence of a dialogue between two former enemy nations deserves to be examined.
### Context and motivations
Relations between Israel and Syria have always been marked by tensions, exacerbated by historical conflicts and complicated geopolitical issues. Since the 1967 War, Israel has occupied the Golan Plateau, a strategic region for Israeli national security. This context creates a fertile soil for negotiations, especially while Syria sails in the troubled waters of reconstruction after years of civil war.
Interim Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, recently said that he was engaging in indirect talks with Israel, signaling a desire for stabilization in the region, thus eliminating the possibility of an open conflict. Does this raise questions about the motivations of each party: Is Israel seeking to ensure its regional security in the face of non-state actors, while the Syrian regime tries to regain legitimacy on the international scene?
### The role of the United States
Another important dimension of this case is the involvement of the United States, which play a role of director mediator. During a recent meeting with Sharaa, the American president spoke of the need for initiatives that could include normalization with Israel and measures against the return of terrorist organizations like Isis. American sanctions against Syria are also at stake. The possibility of softening these sanctions could open the way to investments necessary for reconstruction in Syria, but the fear of exploitation by less favorable forces seems to slow down this momentum.
It would seem that Israel, through the voice of his Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed reservations about this approach. His concern, linked to recent incidents such as the attack of October 7, 2023 by activists led by Hamas, highlights the complexity of regional security issues. The fear of a resurgence of instability could encourage Israel to maintain a cautious posture.
### Towards a peaceful resolution?
The recent discussions between Israel and Syria, although unofficial, could mark a turning point in a region where dialogue often remains fractured. The multiplicity of actors involved-from Turkey to the United States-as well as their divergent interests highlight the importance of open and constructive dialogues to appease tensions.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to reflect on the implications of these negotiations: how to guarantee that they do not lead to superficial agreements, but to lasting solutions which take into account the aspirations of local populations? How to balance the security interests of Israel with the need for reconstruction and sovereignty of Syria?
### Conclusion
The talks between Israel and Syria, although recent and still in the preliminary phase, could represent a step towards a revision of the balance of power in the Middle East. A delicate balance between security, diplomacy and economic development is essential to avoid the return to violence and promote a peaceful future. The route remains strewn with pitfalls, but these exchanges could potentially open more positive cohabitation paths between two peoples which, historically, have experienced painful confrontations. The quest for a sincere and respectful dialogue will be crucial to build a future where mutual understanding can prevail over mistrust.