Surprising Developments in Damascus: Syria Arrests Senior Islamic Jihad Officials and Signals Openness Toward Israel
According to reports, President Al-Sharaa expressed to U.S. Congressman Cory Mills a willingness to improve relations with Israel and to work toward preventing the transfer of weapons through Syria for attacks against Israel
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus, Syria March 10, 2025. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
The buffer zone and Syria’s borders are witnessing ongoing Israeli activity, while senior UN officials express concern. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks are underway in Damascus, including a rare visit by a U.S. Congressman, and arrests are occurring among senior members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This is according to a report by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center.
During the period from April 9 to April 23, 2025, Israeli military activity continued in and around the buffer zone in the Golan Heights, primarily in the Quneitra Governorate. According to reports, IDF forces conducted raids, searches, and set up checkpoints in villages in the area. Local residents noted a decrease in IDF troop movements after previous incidents and expressed hope for a near withdrawal.
This activity sparked international reactions. At the UN Security Council meeting on April 10, the Syrian representative accused Israel of “aggressive activity” and destabilization, calling for international action. The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East Affairs condemned Israel’s “violations” of the disengagement agreement and warned of damage to Syria’s transitional process. However, the U.S. acting ambassador expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense against terrorist organizations operating in Syria and threatening Israel and the region.
Turkey also addressed the developments. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of attempting to incite ethnic and sectarian conflict in Syria and warned of consequences. The Turkish Foreign Minister stated that Turkey is promoting a strategy to prevent a power vacuum in Syria and clarified that Turkey is not seeking direct confrontation with Israel, but also would not remain “spectators” in the face of instability. The Turkish Defense Ministry called on Israel to stop its “provocative attacks” and emphasized that Turkey’s presence in Syria is aimed at aiding Damascus against terrorism, at Syria’s request.
A diplomatic development occurred in Damascus. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas made his first historic visit in nearly two decades and met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. The two discussed strengthening bilateral relations, developments in the Palestinian arena, the situation in Gaza, and the reconstruction of the Strip. It was agreed to establish joint committees to enhance cooperation, though the visit was accompanied by protests from Syrians and Palestinians in camps around Damascus.
Another Palestinian-related issue raised was the arrest of two senior officials from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) branch in Syria by Syrian security forces. Among the detainees is the head of the movement's Syrian arena. PIJ confirmed the arrests and called for their immediate release, emphasizing that their activities in Syria are humanitarian and solely directed against the Israeli enemy. Movement sources assessed that the reason for the arrests is not operational activity but rather personal matters.
As part of efforts to consolidate the new regime in Damascus, Syrian security forces carried out raids against gangs in the Daraa Governorate, during which large quantities of weapons were seized, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.
In the most significant diplomatic development, U.S. Congressman Cory Mills visited Damascus—the first such visit since the rise of the new regime. Mills met with the Syrian Foreign Minister and later with President Al-Sharaa. It was reported that the meetings addressed security and economic issues, shared interests, and the need for joint efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.
According to reports, Al-Sharaa expressed to Mills a willingness to improve relations with Israel and work to prevent the transfer of weapons through Syria for use in attacks against Israel. A report in The Wall Street Journal noted that the previous U.S. administration had presented conditions to the Syrian government for improving relations, including issuing a statement against jihadist groups, banning the activities of Palestinian militias, and expelling their members.
