Syria and Israel are holding secret negotiations through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Reuters reported, quoting three people familiar with the matter.
The indirect contacts are focused mainly on security and intelligence issues, as well as building confidence between the two governments.
According to one of the sources the initiative began shortly after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the UAE last month, adding that there is "no limit" to potential matters under discussion. Another source, however, said the talks are strictly security-related, with a focus on counterterrorism, and that the IDF's activities are not under discussion at this time.
Reuters was unable to obtain comment from the countries' governments.
Last week, the IAF conducted an airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that the strike was meant to send "a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not permit Syrian troops to move south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community."
The strike came amid clashes in Syria, sparked by the circulation of an audio recording attributed to a Druze citizen and deemed blasphemous.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said that the fighting had involved security forces, allied fighters and local Druze groups. It added that 102 have died so far in the clashes, including 30 government loyalists, 21 Druze fighters and 10 civilians.