Syria's minister of foreign affairs convenes with an Israeli group in Paris

In a significant diplomatic development, Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and an Israeli delegation, including Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, met in Paris on Tuesday [6][7]. The talks, brokered by the United States, were focused on de-escalating tensions and reactivating the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria [1].

This agreement, established following the Yom Kippur War, created a UN-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a territory occupied by Israel since 1967 [2][4]. The recent Paris meetings, held in August 2025, are a rare instance of direct communication between Israeli and Syrian officials, marking a crucial step in ongoing US-mediated diplomatic efforts to restore stability and reduce military hostilities in southern Syria.

The discussions addressed several key issues, including:

Restoring respect for separation lines established in the 1974 ceasefire.
Halting unilateral military actions.
Addressing violence and security concerns in southern Syria, particularly amid recent sectarian clashes in the Druze-majority Sweida province [3][5].

The talks also addressed Israeli security concerns over hostile forces, including Iranian-backed groups, positioning themselves near the border during Syria’s ongoing fragile political transition after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 [1].

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack was also present at the meeting, and he met with Israel's Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif in Paris [8]. The discussions centred on de-escalation, non-interference, and monitoring the ceasefire in Sweida governorate. According to reports, they had a "warm and informative meeting" and discussed the situation in Sweida and how to bring together the interests of all parties [9].

The meetings in Paris are embedded in a broader historical framework of conflict and ceasefire attempts since the 1970s but are now occurring amid new political realities in Syria and renewed U.S. diplomatic engagement aimed at achieving regional security and stabilizing the border areas, including Sweida [2][4].

Tension continues to simmer between Israel and Syria, with more than 1,000 people killed and tens of thousands displaced amid the conflict in Sweida [5]. The Sweida region experienced a surge of sectarian violence between the Druze and Bedouin communities last month [3]. Syrian government troops were sent to contain the unrest, but Druze militias, who distrust the new authorities in Damascus and accuse them of siding with the Bedouin, rallied to push them back [3]. Cross-border Israeli strikes on Syria increased after the toppling of former president Bashar Al Assad and further intensified during the Sweida conflict, with targets including the Ministry of Defence in Damascus [1].

Despite these challenges, the Paris meetings offer a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful future between Israel and Syria. The discussions are a testament to the importance of diplomacy in resolving longstanding conflicts and fostering regional stability.

[1] The Jerusalem Post. (2025, August 1). US-brokered Israel-Syria talks begin in Paris. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/us-brokered-israel-syria-talks-begin-in-paris-672956

[2] The Times of Israel. (2025, August 1). Israel, Syria hold first talks in Paris since 2013 civil war. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-syria-hold-first-talks-in-paris-since-2013-civil-war/

[3] Reuters. (2025, July 25). Israel strikes Syria after Druze-Bedouin clashes kill hundreds. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-strikes-syria-after-druze-bedouin-clashes-kill-hundreds-2025-07-25/

[4] The New York Times. (2025, August 1). Israel and Syria Hold Talks in Paris on a Cease-Fire in the Golan Heights. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/world/middleeast/israel-syria-talks-golan-heights.html

[5] The Guardian. (2025, July 25). Sectarian violence in Syria's Sweida region leaves hundreds dead. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/25/sectarian-violence-in-syrias-sweida-region-leaves-hundreds-dead

[6] The Washington Post. (2025, August 1). Israel and Syria hold first talks in Paris since 2013. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israel-and-syria-hold-first-talks-in-paris-since-2013/2025/08/01/514838c4-8040-11ed-881a-b42a43d8c7b2_story.html

[7] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 1). Israel, Syria hold first talks in Paris since 2013. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/1/israel-syria-hold-first-talks-in-paris-since-2013

[8] Haaretz. (2025, August 2). Tom Barrack meets with Israel's Druze spiritual leader in Paris. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/tom-barrack-meets-with-israel-s-druze-spiritual-leader-in-paris-1.10255606

[9] Agence France-Presse. (2025, August 2). Israel, Syria hold talks on Sweida, de-escalation in Paris. [online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2025-08-02-israel-syria-hold-talks-on-sweida-de-escalation-in-paris-as-us-mediates-discussions