Syria meets Israeli spy chief to 'defuse tensions' after bombing

Syria held discreet discussions with an Israeli intelligence chief in an attempt to ease tensions following an airstrike on a Syrian airbase, according to a report by Axios on Sunday. Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani indicated that negotiations on a security agreement involving Israel withdrawing troops from Syrian territory may resume soon.

However, the peace prospects were clouded last week when Israel bombed the airfield, alleging that Turkish forces were present. Israel also occupies regions in southern Syria and conducts periodic attacks. While no official confirmation was provided, Al Shibani told Reuters that a "historic opportunity" exists for an agreement between Israel and Syria, but only if it leads to tangible results.

The previous Syrian regime, a close ally of Iran and Hezbollah, was willing to engage in dialogue with Israel, despite expressing current distrust. The United States has been pushing for a security deal, but the agreement remains elusive. Syria is unlikely to join the Abraham Accords and fully recognize Israel, but it might consider concessions for a buffer zone.

American envoy Tom Barrack condemned last week's Israeli strike, suggesting it could be a deliberate move to provoke Turkey. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an "anti-Semitic dictator" seeking to extend his aggression against Israel.