Syrian and Israeli delegations are close to finalizing a security agreement, according to Al Arabiya citing diplomatic sources. The reported deal would help stabilize southern Syria, including the Druze-populated province of As-Suwayda.
The breakthrough follows US mediation efforts. The pending bilateral agreement reportedly resembles the 1974 Israeli-Syrian disengagement accord on the Golan Heights, with minor modifications.
Key provisions include joint Syrian-American-Israeli presence at several locations in southern Syria, including the Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) peak in the border region with Lebanon.
Sources indicate Damascus has committed to protecting the Druze community and ensuring essential services and employment for As-Suwayda residents. Israel has reportedly reaffirmed it doesn't seek to separate the southern province from Syria, where intercommunal clashes occurred in July.
A trilateral security committee will be established to address ongoing border issues.
The agreement was initially expected in late September during the UN General Assembly, but negotiations stalled over Israel's demand for direct humanitarian access to As-Suwayda and Syrian accusations of Israeli support for separatist Druze factions.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS