Israel's Strikes Push Syria Towards Mecca Defence Pact Membership
Israeli air strikes intended to curb Turkish expansion in Syria may inadvertently push Damascus towards joining a Mecca-based defence pact, according to analysts. The strikes risk triggering the very encirclement Israel fears. Meanwhile, securing a Washington-mediated security deal with Israel remains Syria's top priority, as stated by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting with Mossad chief Roman Gofman in Amman on Sunday. Such a deal would involve Israeli forces withdrawing from areas in southwest Syria occupied since the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. Shaibani emphasized that Syria is a sovereign state with the full right to rebuild its national army and determine its alliances, rejecting any restrictions on these rights. The meeting took place in Amman, Jordan.
Key facts
- Israeli air strikes aimed at curbing Turkish expansion may push Syria towards Mecca defence pact membership.
- Analysts warn the strikes risk triggering the encirclement Israel fears.
- Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with Mossad chief Roman Gofman in Amman on Sunday.
- A Washington-mediated security deal with Israel is Damascus's top priority.
- The deal would require Israeli withdrawal from southwest Syria occupied since December 2024.
- Shaibani affirmed Syria's sovereign right to rebuild its army and determine alliances.
- The meeting was held in Amman, Jordan.
Entities
Institutions
- Mossad
- Washington
Locations
- Syria
- Israel
- Amman
- Jordan
- Damascus
- southwest Syria