'Israel' holds talks with Syria on major gas deal: report

• Hebrew Channel 14 reports ongoing negotiations between Syria and 'Israel' over a potential gas deal tied to political and security concessions.
• The talks emerge as Netanyahu approves a record gas agreement between 'Israel' and Egypt worth $35 billion.

Hebrew Channel 14 reported that negotiations are underway between Syria and 'Israel' over a potential gas deal, a development that, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift between the pair as they currently grapple to secure a security deal. 

The talks resemble a recently announced gas agreement between 'Israel' and Egypt, valued at $35 billion.

'Israel' has laid out conditions for any gas deal with Syria, including political concessions that could extend into the security realm, according to the channel. 

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Political and security conditions

'Israel' is expected to demand Syrian concessions as part of the negotiations.

These demands could include the demilitarization of wide areas of Syrian territory near the border with the occupied Palestinian territories, framing the proposed gas deal as part of a broader security arrangement rather than a commercial transaction.

The report said the reported negotiations coincide with a period of major regional shifts, including expanding gas exports by 'Israel' and new energy agreements with neighboring countries.

Egypt deal sets precedent

It also comes on the eve of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s formal approval of a natural gas agreement with Egypt, which he described as the largest gas deal in the history of 'Israel'.

Speaking in a televised address alongside Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Netanyahu said, “We approved with Egypt the largest gas deal in the history of 'Israel'”.

US role and Syria channel

Observers cited by Hebrew media believe the reported gas talks with Syria may be linked to parallel efforts to reach a security understanding between the two sides. These efforts are said to involve US mediation and recent changes in 'Israel’s' negotiating team.

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Channel 12 quoted two US officials as saying Netanyahu told US envoy Tom Barrack during a meeting Monday that he would appoint a new representative to handle negotiations with Damascus. The move would replace former Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who led the Syria file until his resignation.

Dermer, who stepped down on Nov. 11, reportedly conducted four rounds of talks focused on a security agreement with Damascus.

According to the report, those negotiations stalled several weeks ago following his resignation.