Israel and Syria are set to resume negotiations in Paris next week, marking the fifth round of talks aimed at reaching a security arrangement between the longtime adversaries.
The discussions, expected to last two days, come after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to restart stalled talks during a recent meeting. While Netanyahu reportedly agrees a deal is needed, Israeli officials stress that any agreement must not compromise Israel’s security red lines along the Syrian border.
The talks will be mediated by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who also serves as ambassador to Turkey. Israel’s negotiating team will now be led by Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, joined by senior military and security officials. Syria will be represented by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
Negotiations previously stalled over Israeli demands to open a humanitarian corridor into Syria’s Sweida province, where sectarian violence has killed hundreds of Druze civilians. Syria rejected the proposal, citing sovereignty concerns. More recently, reports suggest Israel has pushed for full diplomatic relations—another sticking point for Damascus.
The talks follow major regional shifts after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024. Israel has since deployed troops in parts of southern Syria, citing concerns that terror groups could exploit the power vacuum.
Despite past deadlocks, U.S. officials hope renewed diplomacy can stabilize the border and prevent further escalation.
