Syrian and Israeli officials discuss de-escalation in Paris meeting

Dialogue marks first talks between officials from the countries since clashes erupted in Sweida

From left, US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani in Paris. Photo: Sana

Syrian and Israeli officials held talks on de-escalating the situation in Syria during US-mediated discussions in Paris on Thursday, US special envoy Tom Barrack said.

“I met this evening with the Syrians and Israelis in Paris. Our goal was dialogue and de-escalation, and we accomplished precisely that,” Mr Barrack said in a post on X. “All parties reiterated their commitment to continuing these efforts."

Hundreds of people have been killed in the southern Syrian province of Sweida amid clashes involving Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes and government forces. Israel launched air strikes on Syria in what it said was a move to protect the Druze.

Mr Barrack did not name the officials involved in the talks. But Axios quoted two Israeli officials as saying their country's delegation was led by Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani represented Damascus at the meeting.

It had initially been thought that the talks would take place in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku.

It was the first meeting between the parties since the crisis erupted last week in Sweida and Israel launched strikes on Damascus.

It would also mark the first ministerial meeting between the new Syrian government and Israel. The two countries have technically been at war since 1948 and Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967.

Mr Al Shibani held a separate meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Mr Barrack, the French Ministry said in a statement. The US, France and Syria agreed to "engage quickly on substantial efforts to ensure the success of Syria’s transition", as well as the country's stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the ministry added.

The three countries also agreed to ensure "Syria’s neighbours do not pose a threat" to the country's "stability and that, in turn, reaffirm Syria’s commitment not to pose a threat to its neighbours, for the sake of stability across the region". The ministry added that Paris, Washington and Damascus would "support efforts to hold perpetrators of violence" in Syria accountable.

Israel launched air strikes on Syrian government positions in the Druze-majority province, saying it wanted to protect the minority community after the violence erupted. Israel also struck Damascus, hitting an area of the presidential palace and the army headquarters.

Syrian government forces left Sweida under a ceasefire announced by the authorities.

Before the violence, Syrian and Israeli officials had met in Baku, sources said, which coincided with a visit to Azerbaijan by Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara. The meeting addressed southern Syria and touched on the potential for a broader peace deal, the sources added.