Sharaa confirms Syria is in direct talks with Israel, says no deal without withdrawal

“We are engaged in direct negotiations with Israel, and we have gone a good distance on the way to reach an agreement,” Sharaa said. His comments mark the first time the Syrian leader has confirmed the discussions with Israel. Syria’s official state news agency said in August that the two sides were engaging in direct discussions. US envoy and ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack has been mediating between them (Read more at Middle East Eye).