Secret Russian Mediation Between Israel and Syria: Baku Hosts Talks as Moscow Returns to the South

Israeli security sources have revealed that Russia is conducting clandestine mediation between Israel and Syria to reach a comprehensive security agreement, reportedly with U.S. approval. According to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, Baku, Azerbaijan, is currently hosting direct meetings between high-ranking officials from both sides, while Moscow manages the negotiations behind the scenes.

This diplomatic push coincides with a significant Russian military re-engagement in Syria. Following a brief drawdown after the fall of the Assad regime, Moscow has recently moved troops and hardware back to Latakia. Sources indicate that Russia seeks to re-establish its presence in Southern Syria near the Israeli border—a move Israel reportedly prefers over the expansion of Turkish influence in the area. While gaps remain, the mediation is said to have made "noticeable progress" in recent weeks.