Last-Minute Snag in Syria-Israel Security Pact Talks

Efforts to finalize a security pact between Syria and Israel have been stalled due to a dispute over Israel's demand for a humanitarian corridor through Syria's Sweida province. The talks, which aimed at creating a demilitarized zone, have been ongoing with U.S. mediation but hit an impasse.

An effort to finalize a security agreement between Syria and Israel encountered a setback when Israel insisted on establishing a 'humanitarian corridor' to Syria's Sweida province. This demand, rejected by Syria as a sovereignty breach, has derailed plans for an imminent announcement of the deal.

The negotiations, brokered by the U.S., had reached an advanced stage following discussions in Baku, Paris, and London. The intended agreement sought to form a demilitarized zone that would include Sweida, a region devastated by recent sectarian violence involving the Druze community.

Despite earlier progress, the renewed demand from Israel was not previously publicized. Conversations between the parties ceased last week, with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack suggesting a potential shift to a 'de-escalation agreement' as parties near a standstill.

(With inputs from agencies.)