In a possible breakthrough, Syria and Israel are close to finalising a “de-escalation” deal that would see Israel cease its attacks in exchange for Syria agreeing not to move heavy equipment or machinery near the Israeli border, a senior US envoy said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of UN General Assembly meetings in New York, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said the agreement would serve as the first step towards the security deal that the two countries have been negotiating.

Syria and Israel are in talks to reach an agreement that Damascus hopes will secure a halt to Israeli airstrikes and the withdrawal of Israeli troops who have pushed into southern Syria.

Approaching In Good Faith

US President Donald Trump has sought to strike an agreement between the

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