Overview

• The proposed first step would pause Israeli attacks while Syria keeps machinery and heavy equipment away from the border.
• Barrack said insufficient progress and the Jewish New Year slowed talks, though he believes both sides are negotiating in good faith.
• Damascus is seeking a halt to airstrikes and the withdrawal of Israeli troops it says pushed into southern Syria after Assad’s fall.
• Syrian leader Ahmed al‑Sharaa has claimed Israel conducted over 1,000 strikes and more than 400 ground incursions since December.
• In separate remarks, Barrack said U.S. interests are not aligned with any regional power, including Israel, argued Israeli attacks bolster Hezbollah’s case to stay armed, yet called Israel a valued ally supported with $4–5 billion annually.