Israeli office in Damascus without a flag: a new format of contacts amid the Syrian crisis

The Syrian government allows the opening of an Israeli office in Damascus, but with a fundamental condition: no diplomatic status. It is about a technical representation aimed at reducing tension levels and ensuring security coordination under the aegis of the USA. This mechanism is designed as a rapid response tool — for exchanging signals, preventing incidents, and managing risks in an unstable environment.

Even without official status, the appearance of an Israeli representation would be a historic precedent for Syria and Israel. This step may indicate an attempt by Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara to find new footholds and balance the influence of Turkey, under whose political and military patronage he is. The “office without a flag” format leaves room for maneuver without breaking official red lines.

Another sensitive line is developing in parallel. Israel, according to sources, is actively persuading Washington to postpone the disbandment of Kurdish formations in Syria. For Damascus, this issue is fundamental: Syrian authorities have declared their readiness to launch an operation against Kurdish militants in Aleppo, which sharply complicates the regional picture and raises the stakes for all involved parties.

Preparation for possible military actions in Aleppo underscores the fragility of the current balance. Any unforeseen decision — whether by Syrian forces or regional players — can trigger a chain reaction. In such conditions, even limited communication channels acquire strategic significance, reducing the risk of direct escalation.

The diplomatic aspect of this story goes far beyond a single office. The potential presence of Israel in Damascus, even without official status, could change the usual calculations in the region and force other states to reconsider their strategies. This is not normalization in the classical sense, but a cautious test of a new interaction format in a zone of chronic instability. Such steps today shape the contours of future Middle Eastern security — and they are closely watched both in the region and beyond. NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency