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Axios: Shibani Meets Mossad Chief to Discuss De-escalation Between Syria and Israel
According to *Axios*, citing three informed sources, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met on Sunday with the head of Israel’s Mossad, Roman Gofman, to discuss ways to reduce tensions between Damascus and Tel Aviv. The meeting came days after an Israeli airstrike targeted the Abu al-Duhur air base in northern Syria.
The report said the meeting took place after Israel bombed the base on Tuesday, dropping at least eight bombs on its runways and hangars. Israel said the strike was intended to prevent a potential Turkish military deployment at the site, possibly involving drones and a radar system.
The Syrian government had denied any plans to allow the establishment of a Turkish base or a permanent Turkish military presence at Abu al-Duhur. *Axios* quoted al-Shibani as saying that Turkish officers had visited the base before the strike as part of military cooperation focused on training and the exchange of expertise. He added that Damascus had informed Israel of the visit in advance, but Israel nevertheless proceeded with the attack.
Al-Shibani reaffirmed that Syria remains willing to continue negotiations with Israel to reduce tensions and reach a new security agreement. He stressed that de-escalation “cannot be the responsibility of one side alone,” warning that continued Israeli military operations would further increase instability.
According to *Axios*, U.S. officials—including Special Envoy Tom Barrack—had stepped up efforts in recent days to encourage the resumption of dialogue between Syria, Israel, and Turkey.
The Israeli prime minister’s office did not comment on the meeting, while al-Shibani’s office did not immediately issue an official statement.
