Mon Jan 05 12:26:17 UTC 2026: Syria and Israel Resume Negotiations in Paris Amidst Tensions

Paris, France – A Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and General Intelligence Directorate Chief Hussein al-Salameh, has commenced a new round of negotiations with Israeli representatives in Paris, facilitated by the United States. The talks aim to address the escalating tensions and ongoing occupation of Syrian territory by Israel, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA.

A government source stated that Syria is committed to restoring its “non-negotiable national rights.” Key focus areas include reactivating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-December 8, 2014 positions. Syria seeks a security agreement prioritizing its sovereignty and preventing interference in its internal affairs.

The negotiations take place against a backdrop of heightened Israeli military activity in southern Syria, particularly in the Quneitra governorate. Reports indicate near-daily incursions, arrests, checkpoint establishment, and land bulldozing by Israeli forces, fueling public unrest. Despite a decrease in direct military threats, Israeli air raids continue, causing civilian casualties and damaging Syrian army sites. ACLED data shows over 600 Israeli air, drone, or artillery attacks in Syria in the past year.

Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Israel declared the 1974 Disengagement Agreement void and expanded its occupation beyond the Golan Heights. Israel claims the agreement is no longer applicable, citing al-Assad’s removal.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed interest in a peaceful border with Syria, and U.S. President Donald Trump predicted positive relations between Israel and the new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, concrete progress on a security agreement has been elusive. Syria, which does not recognize Israel and opposes the Abraham Accords, continues to reject Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. The annexation is recognized by Washington but widely condemned by the international community.

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