The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed an unannounced meeting between five Syrian academics and businessmen, along with two Israelis, at a private home in a European capital.

The newspaper described the meeting as the first of its kind between the parties, with participants exchanging views on political and security issues, as well as the internal situation in Syria.

According to the newspaper, "The Israeli side expressed its astonishment at the Syrian guests' level of knowledge of Israeli affairs, which relied on monitoring the Hebrew media and translations of the Israeli press."
The journalist continued: "The Syrians showed a remarkable interest in learning about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vision, particularly regarding security policy."
According to the newspaper, "Syrian participants, aged between 40 and 50, who grew up under the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, indicated that they are living in a state of political uncertainty. They emphasized that they do not know exactly where the country is headed, in light of what they described as the multiple crises facing the new administration."
The newspaper quoted one of them as saying, "The new president has not yet succeeded in establishing full control over the capital, Damascus," a statement that was met with support from those present.
The report added that the meeting coincided with an Israeli airstrike targeting an area near the presidential palace in Damascus, under the pretext of protecting the Druze community.