Paris Hosts Talks on Syria-Israel Peace Agreement Negotiations

US-Mediated Talks Yield Agreement Between Syria and Israel

A joint statement released by Share Save Syria and Israel announced the establishment of a dedicated communication cell aimed at sharing intelligence and coordinating military de-escalation. The two countries have agreed to set up this mechanism following US-mediated talks in Paris on Tuesday.

The agreement follows a long-standing US-backed security agreement between the two countries, which was established in 1974. However, tensions escalated after the Assad regime fell on December 8, 2024, with Israel launching attacks on Syrian military infrastructure and pushing troops into the demilitarized zone that is Syrian territory.

According to a joint statement, the mechanism will serve as a platform to address disputes promptly and prevent misunderstandings. The goal of this body is to resolve grievances and disputes between Israel and Syria, ideally leading to an end to Israeli attacks on Syrian land and people.

The Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aims to reactivate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, with the aim of ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-December 8, 2024 lines within a reciprocal security agreement that prioritizes full Syrian sovereignty. The Syrian government also seeks to prevent any form of interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

Israel has expressed support for figures opposed to Syria’s new government, including Suwayda’s Hikmat al Hijri. According to Al Jazeera’s senior correspondent Resul Serdar, Israel’s main objectives are more land, patronage of minorities, and long-term leverage.

The US has been involved in the negotiations, with President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Tom Barrack building warm relations with al-Sharaa. The US priority is containment, with a focus on preventing ISIL’s spread and maintaining stability in Syria. A strong Syria is also seen as crucial to avoiding Iranian influence and regional violence.

The agreement marks an important step towards resolving tensions between Israel and Syria, but the path forward remains uncertain.

Source: Al Jazeera