Israel has intensified its military campaign in Syria, specifically targeting efforts by the Syrian government to rebuild its military infrastructure with assistance from Turkey. According to reports, these strikes have created a strategic shift in Damascus, prompting the Syrian government to explore membership in a newly formed mutual-defense pact that includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.

Despite the escalation in hostilities, diplomatic channels appear to remain open. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reportedly held a meeting in Amman on Sunday with Roman Gofman, the director of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. During these discussions, al-Shaibani indicated that Syria’s primary goal remains the establishment of a security deal with Israel, mediated by the United States. The potential for a formal security arrangement suggests that while Syria is hedging its bets by looking toward regional alliances, it is still prioritizing a direct diplomatic resolution with Israel to stabilize its security situation.

The situation remains fluid as the Syrian government balances the pressure of Israeli airstrikes against its desire for a long-term security guarantee. The involvement of Turkey as both a partner in the potential defense pact and a contributor to Syria's military reconstruction adds a layer of complexity to the regional power dynamics. Whether the proposed defense pact will serve as a genuine alternative to an Israeli-Syrian deal or as leverage in ongoing negotiations remains to be seen.