The Trump administration is engaged in "preliminary discussions" with Israel and Syria over a potential security agreement between the two longtime enemies, U.S. and Israeli officials told Axios.

Although full normalization is not yet on the table, the talks could pave the way for future diplomacy aimed at reducing tensions and modernizing security arrangements along the volatile Israel-Syria border.

A senior Israeli official described the process as a “gradual” one designed to build trust and improve relations, but added that Israel wants assurances it will ultimately lead to a comprehensive peace agreement. “A deal is not around the corner,” another Israeli official cautioned, emphasizing that meaningful progress will take time.

In early June, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed Trump’s Syria envoy Tom Barrack of his interest in negotiating a new security accord with Syria’s post-Assad government under U.S. brokerage. According to a senior Israeli official, Netanyahu envisions “a phased set of agreements starting with a modernized version of the 1974 disengagement accord and culminating in full peace and normalization.”

Following last December’s stunning rebel offensive that toppled the Assad regime, led by former Islamist militant Ahmad al-Sharaa, Israel launched waves of airstrikes, systematically dismantling what remained of Syria’s air force, navy, air defenses, and missile systems. Israeli forces then seized control of the buffer zone and occupied parts of Syrian territory, including the strategic Syrian side of Mount Hermon. Israeli officials now consider these areas as leverage, saying they will only withdraw in exchange for “full peace and normalization with Syria.”

Behind the scenes, Israel is communicating with Syria through at least four different channels: Netanyahu’s national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad director David Barnea, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar for political and strategic dialogue, and the Israel Defense Forces for daily military coordination. However, Israeli officials want the U.S. to play a more active mediating role. One senior official told Axios, “We hope to see the Trump administration pushing more assertively on this track.”

A senior U.S. official described the current effort as delicate. “We are having very soft preliminary discussions. Diplomatic breakthroughs are like unwrapping an onion — we are peeling,” the official said. “President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio have been super supportive, and our teams are working well.”

The talks remain at levels below Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and there is no discussion yet of a leaders’ summit. Two senior Israeli officials said a deal is possible but will require time and careful diplomacy.

One major sticking point remains the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 war. In past negotiations, the Assad regime demanded full or near-full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for peace. During his first term, Trump recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel — a decision not reversed by the Biden administration. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar insisted this week that “the Golan Heights will remain part of Israel under any future deal.”

Looking ahead, Ron Dermer, Netanyahu’s close confidant and minister for strategic affairs, is in Washington this week to discuss the potential Syria deal with White House officials. Netanyahu is also expected to visit the White House soon to discuss Syria alongside other regional issues.