Syria official denies contact with Israel, amid huge backlash

A senior Syrian security figure has denied direct contact with Israeli officials after an explosive report this week alleged meetings between the two sides.

Ahmed al-Dalati, commander of the security forces in Suweida province and former governor of Quneitra, described a Reuters report that he engaged in face-to-face meetings with Israeli officials as "baseless" and denied any direct contact with Israel, a country Syria has no official relations with.

The story alleged a series of direct talks had been conducted between the two sides regarding tensions in southern Syria, where Israeli forces have launched a series of incursions and attacks targeting civilians and security forces.

"I categorically deny my participation in any direct negotiation sessions with the Israeli side and confirm that these allegations are baseless and lack accuracy and credibility," Al-Dalati told the Al-Ikhbariyya news channel in Syria.

"I stress that the position of the Syrian Arab Republic on this issue is firm and clear. The Syrian leadership continues to take all necessary measures to protect the Syrian people and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic, using all legitimate means."

The Reuters report quoted five anonymous sources who said three rounds of meetings were held, including one on Syrian territory occupied by Israel.

Israel has jumped on the confusion brought about by the fall of the Assad regime to seize more Syrian territory, including areas around occupied parts of Quneitra province, which follows the continued occupation of the Golan Heights.

Israel has also been blamed for recent sectarian clashes in Suweida province and trying to divide and weaken post-revolution Syria.

Turkey reportedly brokered indirect talks between Syria and Israel to halt the tensions, supposedly going back to the terms of a 1974 ceasefire agreement that created a UN buffer zone in the Golan Heights.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has reiterated his rejection of any attempts to partition the war-torn country, as he called for an armistice agreement with Israel to be respected.