Scoop: U.S. to mediate Israel-Syria meeting Thursday to avoid new crises

Senior U.S., Israeli, and Syrian officials will meet to discuss security in southern Syria. This meeting is prompted by recent clashes in Suwayda and subsequent Israeli strikes on Damascus. U.S. Syria envoy Tom Barrack will chair the meeting, mediating between the involved parties. Discussions will center on security arrangements and increased coordination to prevent future crises. A senior Israeli official emphasized the need for comprehensive agreements among the U.S., Israel, and Syria. Previous meetings between Israeli and Syrian officials occurred in Baku. Israel bombed a Syrian army convoy en route to Suwayda, claiming it violated a demilitarized zone. The subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, including near the presidential palace, alarmed U.S. officials. U.S. officials attributed the escalation to miscommunication between Syria and Israel. President Trump expressed displeasure with Israel's airstrikes and urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to address the situation.