Netanyahu Calls Syria Leader After Damascus Airstrikes
The Israeli prime minister initiated contact with Ahmed al-Sharaa following military operations in the Syrian capital.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Terrorism
Live Poll
Do you believe direct communication between hostile foreign leaders improves regional security?
In July 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The communication followed Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian Defense Ministry and sites near the presidential palace in Damascus.
Why it matters
Israel conducted the military operation to protect Druze populations in southern Syria. Netanyahu initiated the subsequent call in an effort to halt the killing of Druze communities within the country.
Israel and the Syrian government are currently negotiating a security deal. Syria is demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops from a buffer zone established on the border after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
The players
Benjamin Netanyahu
He is the Prime Minister of Israel who maintains a focus on national security and regional border stability.
Ahmed al-Sharaa
He is the current leader of Syria who assumed power in late 2024 following significant political upheaval in the nation.
The details
The airstrikes targeted strategic locations including the Syrian Defense Ministry and areas adjacent to the presidential palace in Damascus. The military action and subsequent dialogue represent a shift in the regional power dynamics following the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa to power in late 2024.
Timeline
Late 2024: Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed power in Syria.
July 2025: Israel conducted airstrikes in Damascus and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Legal Context
The current security negotiations follow the geopolitical realignment initiated by the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. This situation marks a departure from historical conflict norms as Israel and Syria attempt to formalize a buffer zone status.
The ongoing negotiations regarding the Israel-Syria border buffer zone directly influence regional security and the safety of residents in border areas. Continued diplomatic efforts remain a primary indicator for potential de-escalation in the Sweida region.
The takeaway
Diplomatic engagement between these leaderships serves as a critical mechanism for addressing the safety of minority populations like the Druze. Future stability in the region depends heavily on whether both parties can successfully finalize the terms of the pending security agreement.
Further reading
For more information on regional instability, visit the Terrorism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of Israel.
Live Poll
Do you believe direct communication between hostile foreign leaders improves regional security?
