The direct talks between Syria and Israel began last year in April, and aimed to resolve long-standing disagreements as well as active Israeli military aggression against Syrian territory. The talks have hit multiple stumbling blocks, but on Tuesday they will give them another try.
Officials confirmed that the new talks will be held in Paris and that the United States will participate as a mediator in the process. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Intelligence Director Hussein Salameh will participate on the Syrian side. The Israeli side has not been announced, but historically it has included former Ambassador Ron Dermer.
Immediately after the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took power in Syria in December of 2024, Israel launched an invasion of southwestern Syria, seizing the demilitarized zone between the two nations, and pushing deeper in operations that continue to this day.
Syria is reportedly prioritizing their sovereignty in these talks, and are seeking an assurance that under the deal, Israeli troops would actual withdraw militarily from Syria. Though Israeli officials have suggested Syria is making other substantial demands, there has been no evidence of that, and Syria has repeatedly emphasized their goal to be the removal of Israeli troops.
That’s seemingly a non-starter, with multiple Israeli officials ruling out withdrawing from the demilitarized zone under any circumstances, and Prime Minister Netanyahu demanding that a new demilitarized zone be established between the old, conquered one and the Syrian capital city of Damascus as a condition for any deal.
The Trump Administration has embraced HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa as strong and “good-looking” and has pressed Israel not to complicate the rise of Syria as a prosperous state. Israel’s stance precluding withdrawing from Syrian territory, however, makes that easier said than done.
Recent talks have centered on Israel trying to give the appearance internationally of making an effort with an intractable partner, while assuring the Israeli media that no actual concessions will be made and no deal will be reached.
