Israel, HTS Plan US-Backed ‘Security Deal’ Amid Ongoing Syrian Strikes
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Israeli regime and the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) are preparing to sign a so-called “security agreement” in September, even as Tel Aviv intensifies its assaults against Syria, according to regional media reports.
Citing senior Syrian sources, Independent Arabia reported that the deal, pushed forward under US mediation, is expected to be signed on September 25.
The agreement is presented as an effort to “reduce tensions,” though sources stress no comprehensive peace arrangement is foreseen anytime soon.
The announcement comes as HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani is scheduled to make his first appearance at the United Nations General Assembly a day earlier.
Washington is reportedly pressing for a meeting between Jolani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with US President Donald Trump also expected to participate.
Separately, Syria’s acting foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani met an Israeli delegation in Paris this week to discuss de-escalation and developments in the southern Sweida province, where Tel Aviv has recently escalated its attacks under the pretext of supporting the Druze population.
Sky News Arabia described the talks, held with Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, as showing “progress.”
Israel has sharply stepped up its aggression across Syria since the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government last year.
Netanyahu has ordered forces to push deeper into Syrian territory and capture key strategic positions.
Observers note that HTS’s willingness to engage in normalization, coupled with its silence in the face of Israeli bombardments, has given the occupying regime greater freedom to intensify its strikes and expand its presence on Syrian soil.
