Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa reportedly held secret normalization talks with Israeli intelligence officials in Abu Dhabi on April 13, mediated by the UAE and backed by allies of Donald Trump.

Axar.az, citing Al-Mayadeen, reports that the meeting marks a significant shift in Syria’s stance toward Israel.

The talks included Mossad, Israel’s National Security Council, and IOF intelligence, and outlined a phased plan: initial military-intelligence cooperation, potential Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Syria, and eventual normalization, possibly discussing the occupied Golan Heights.

A Syrian source claimed Damascus was “prepared to show flexibility” on the Golan, despite its international recognition as Syrian territory and Israel’s firm refusal to discuss its status.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reiterated on June 30 that the Golan Heights “will remain part of the State of Israel,” dismissing Syrian hopes. Meanwhile, Israel continues to seek Syria and Lebanon’s inclusion in broader normalization accords, even amid ongoing occupation in Palestine, Gaza, and the West Bank.