Russia brokers talks between Israel and Syria on security deal
Russia is working behind the scenes, with U.S. approval, to mediate talks between Israel and Syria toward a potential security agreement, Kan News reported on Wednesday.
Until now, Azerbaijan had led the contacts, including hosting senior officials in Baku. According to a security source, Moscow and Damascus have recently tightened ties, reflected in renewed Russian troop and equipment deployments to the Latakia area.
Russia is seeking to redeploy forces to southern Syria near the Israeli border, as before the collapse of the Assad regime. Israel is said to prefer a Russian presence over a possible Turkish military foothold. While gaps remain in the talks, Israeli officials say some progress has been made in recent weeks.
Kan.org.il is the Hebrew news website of the The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation
