Reports Claim Syrian President Met Israeli National Security Chief in UAE Amid Trump-Backed Diplomatic Push, But Timing Raises Eyebrows.
Syrian media stirred international speculation on Tuesday with reports that President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi in Abu Dhabi a day earlier—an encounter framed as a potential diplomatic breakthrough in long-stalled Israeli-Syrian relations. If true, the meeting would mark an unprecedented public engagement between officials from the two nations, historically locked in a state of hostility.
Citing unnamed Syrian sources, the reports describe the meeting as “a significant step” in a developing negotiation process. However, Israeli commentators and regional analysts have expressed skepticism, noting a glaring discrepancy: Hanegbi was publicly seen in Washington, D.C. on Monday, attending a high-profile dinner at the White House with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite questions about the veracity of the meeting, the broader context suggests a shift in regional dynamics. During the dinner, President Trump voiced optimism about future Israeli-Syrian relations, stating he was “very impressed” by Syria’s newly appointed President al-Sharaa. Trump added that he had lifted sanctions on Damascus in what he called “a chance for new beginnings,” allegedly following appeals from several countries—including Israel.
The move to ease sanctions has not gone unnoticed in the Middle East. Some see it as a calculated gamble to pull Syria out of Iran’s orbit and into a more moderate, Gulf-aligned bloc. Others view it with concern, warning that premature normalization with Damascus could undermine justice for the Assad regime’s long list of human rights violations and war crimes.
If accurate, the alleged meeting in Abu Dhabi—likely brokered with Emirati assistance—could reflect an emerging axis of quiet diplomacy encouraged by Washington. But until officially confirmed, the report remains speculative, with some suggesting it may be a disinformation tactic or an intentional leak to test regional and international reactions.
Whether factual or not, the reports highlight a broader trend: regional realignment, once unthinkable, is increasingly being discussed behind closed doors—and sometimes, it appears, in plain sight.
