U.S.-Brokered Syria-Israel Talks in Paris Focus on Security, De-Escalation
“These talks are taking place under U.S. mediation, as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the unity and integrity of its territory,” SANA said.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Syria's foreign minister Assad al-Shaibani met with an Israeli diplomatic delegation in Paris on Tuesday to discuss de-escalation measures and non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs, state news agency SANA reported.
The talks, described as the latest in a series of U.S.-mediated meetings, produced “understandings that support stability in the region,” according to the agency. Washington has been leading efforts in recent weeks to address security concerns in Syria and Lebanon, which Israel has cited as justification for continued military action.
Despite a truce reached in November, Israel has continued targeting positions of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, while also conducting strikes inside Syria. These actions follow the fall of long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad last year, which has reshaped the political and security landscape across the country.
Tuesday’s meeting in Paris follows previous encounters between al-Shaibani and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in Baku in late July, as well as earlier meetings in Paris.
Israel and Syria remain technically at war since 1948. However, discussions have reportedly included reviving the 1974 disengagement accord, which established a buffer zone between the two countries following the Yom Kippur War.
“These talks are taking place under U.S. mediation, as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the unity and integrity of its territory,” SANA said.
The negotiations come in the wake of deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria’s Druze-majority Sweida province in July, where more than 1,400 people were killed. What began as fighting between local Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes soon drew in Syrian government forces and Israel, the latter saying it intervened to protect the Druze community.
Tensions escalated further last month when Israel struck the Syrian presidential palace and the army headquarters in Damascus. The United States, while remaining a staunch ally of Israel, has also expressed support for Syria’s new leadership and mediated a ceasefire between the two sides on July 18.
