In Syria, Israel launched rare attacks on forces of the new government, while in Lebanon it took aim at the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Syrian activist relays discussion with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa about his interest in peace deal with Israel, but several key issues remain between the two countries.

Troops locate explosives, rockets at 'key' commando bases in operation aimed at keeping arms from being smuggled to Lebanon; deadly clashes break out in Druze area

The longtime enemies have opened contacts, reflecting a power shift across a Middle East in which they have newfound common ground: antipathy for Iran.

A Syrian and an Israeli official met face to face in Baku on Saturday on the sidelines of a visit to Azerbaijan by President Ahmed Al Sharaa, a diplomatic source in Damascus said.

Despite Syrian authorities announcing a ceasefire in the Druze minority's heartland of Sweida after three days of urban warfare, dozens were killed in fighting on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Israel has renewed air strikes on the region after deadly clashes between Druze groups and pro-government forces,