Israeli Official Says Syria Security Agreement Attempt Failed

A senior Israeli diplomatic official said Israel tried to reach a security agreement with Syria, but the effort ultimately failed. The official said Damascus's motivation weakened after some sanctions were lifted, while communication channels remain active at several levels. Israel will not accept an arrangement requiring it to withdraw from the buffer zone, which it regards as a security asset. The official said talks continue over security arrangements in southern Syria and described Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a viable interlocutor.