Secret Meeting Revealed: Syrian Figures Meet Israelis Amid Damascus Airstrike
Yedioth Ahronoth uncovers an unprecedented closed-door meeting in Europe between Syrian academics and businessmen and Israeli counterparts, as tensions in Syria escalate with a nearby Israeli airstrike.
Watan-The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed an unannounced meeting that brought together five Syrian figures—comprising academics and businessmen—alongside two Israelis, held at a private residence in a European capital.
The paper described the meeting as the first of its kind between the two sides, during which participants exchanged views on political and security matters, in addition to Syria’s internal situation.
According to the report, the Israeli side expressed surprise at how well-informed the Syrian guests were on Israeli affairs—knowledge they attributed to following Hebrew media and translated Israeli press. The Syrians also showed significant interest in understanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security vision.
Syrians Voice Uncertainty as Israeli Strike Hits Near Damascus Palace
The Syrian participants, aged between 40 and 50 and raised during the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, said they are living in a state of political ambiguity. They admitted they are uncertain about the country’s direction amid what they described as multiple crises facing the new administration.
One of them reportedly said, “The new president has yet to fully assert control over the capital, Damascus,” a statement that others present supported.
The report noted that the meeting coincided with an Israeli airstrike targeting an area near the presidential palace in Damascus, under the pretext of protecting the Druze community.
The newspaper considered this strike to be a warning signal and possibly an attempt to destabilize Syria’s internal affairs.
