Syria, Israel Hold US-Mediated Paris Talks to De-escalate Tensions

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani held a rare, US-mediated meeting with an Israeli delegation in Paris to discuss de-escalation, non-interference in Syria's internal affairs, and restoring the 1974 disengagement agreement that established a buffer zone between the two countries. The talks aimed to bolster stability in southern Syria, particularly in the volatile Sweida province, and resulted in understandings to support regional security and preserve Syria's territorial integrity. These discussions are part of a broader US diplomatic push, supported by the Trump administration, to foster peace and stability in the Middle East, including efforts to allow humanitarian aid corridors for the Druze community in Sweida. Prior meetings between al-Shibani and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer have taken place recently, including in Baku and Paris, signaling ongoing engagement despite the countries technically being at war since 1948. The talks follow heightened tensions after Israel seized control of a UN-monitored buffer zone in Syria and conducted military strikes on Syrian sites, as well as deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria. A Syrian-Jordanian-US working group was also formed to support ceasefire efforts and seek a comprehensive solution to the conflict.