Talks between Israel and Syria have resumed, Saudi news outlet reports

Israel and Syria have resumed dialogue on security matters, according to the Saudi channel Al-Hadath, in the wake of the deadly sectarian clashes and IDF strikes in Damascus and southern Syria’s Sweida province last week.

According to the report, the talks are being mediated by Turkey and the United States, and an Israeli delegation is expected to travel soon to Baku, Azerbaijan, to finalize understandings with Syria.

However, the report also states that Israel is not currently committing to halt its strikes in Syria and is demanding a demilitarized zone along the Israel-Syria border, as well as a permanent Israeli presence in the buffer zone along the border.

There is no immediate comment from Israel.

Israel intervened in Syrian sectarian conflict earlier this month on behalf of the Druze, who are seen as a loyal minority within Israel and often serve in its military.

Syria and Israel have been opposing sides of conflicts in the Middle East for decades, including direct and often bitter combat.

However, Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s Iran-backed dictator, fled the country in December, and the new Islamist rulers in Damascus are eager to present a moderate face to the West.

Agencies contributed to this report.