UAE Reportedly Mediating Quiet Talks Between Israel & Syria

The United Arab Emirates has reportedly opened a quiet backchannel between Syria and Israel, according to three sources familiar with the situation, Reuters reported. The effort, focused on security and intelligence, marks a rare step in regional diplomacy as Syria’s new rulers try to manage rising hostility from their southern neighbor.

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Talks Sparked by Syrian Leader’s UAE Visit

The indirect talks began shortly after Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa visited the UAE on April 13. A person with direct knowledge of the matter described the discussions as focused on “technical matters,” but said the scope could expand in time.

Syria Publicly Acknowledges Mediation Efforts

At a press conference in Paris, Sharaa acknowledged the talks for the first time, saying:

“There are indirect negotiations taking place via mediators to calm the situation.”

He added that Syria speaks with all countries communicating with Israel to pressure it to stop interfering in Syrian affairs and airspace.

UAE Denies Involvement in Secret Talks

Despite reports, UAE officials have publicly denied any role in the mediation. Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister, told Reuters:

“The claim that the UAE is ‘mediating secret talks’ between Syria and Israel is categorically false. The UAE is not part of any such talks.”

Focus of the Backchannel: Counterterrorism, Not Military Strikes

A Syrian security source confirmed to Reuters that a UAE-based mechanism is in place but strictly for security coordination, particularly on counterterrorism. Military matters, such as Israeli strikes inside Syria, are reportedly not included. The talks involve UAE security officials, Syrian intelligence, and former Israeli operatives.

Syria Tries to Rebuild Regional Trust

Syria’s new government has been working to project a less hostile image. Officials have met with Jewish community members and detained Islamic Jihad figures involved in the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. A recent letter to the U.S. stated Syria “will not allow [itself] to become a source of threat to any party, including Israel.”

Israel Steps Up Strikes After Assad’s Fall

Israel has long targeted Iran-backed groups in Syria. Since Assad’s ouster in December, Israeli strikes have intensified, with Israel stating it won’t tolerate Islamist militants near its borders.

UAE Balancing Security Concerns With Diplomatic Access

Sources said the UAE had concerns about Syria’s Islamist-leaning new leaders, but President Sharaa’s recent meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed helped ease some of those fears. That meeting, which reportedly ran long, was followed days later by the creation of the backchannel.

Minority Clashes Add Pressure to Calm Tensions

Israel’s most recent strikes followed sectarian clashes in Syria between Sunni and Druze gunmen. Syria has since brokered a deal with Druze factions to hire local security, which has helped ease tensions for now.