Secret Talks in Paris Between Syria and Israel: Potential Israeli Withdrawal in Exchange for Security Guarantees

Indirect talks between Syria and Israel concluded in Paris, described as "positive" by both parties, reflecting a swift political initiative led by the United States to reshape the security landscape along the Syrian-Israeli border. Sources indicate that the discussions focused on a potential Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territories in exchange for mutual security guarantees.

U.S. Pressure to Expedite Agreement

Israeli and Syrian sources confirmed that Washington is applying significant pressure on both sides to reach a swift agreement aimed at reducing tensions and achieving long-term stability in southern Syria. A Syrian source stated that Damascus is willing to provide "acceptable security guarantees for all" contingent upon the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas they have advanced into after December 2024.

Sweida Remains a Red Line

However, Damascus has drawn a clear red line in the negotiations: it will not internationalize the issue of Sweida or remove it from the internal Syrian context. An informed source confirmed that the situation in Sweida will be addressed through local agreements, without external intervention or armament, indicating preliminary Israeli understanding of this position.

Separation Forces Under Conditions

The talks also explored the establishment of a separation force between the two parties, but Damascus insisted that any such arrangement must be mutually agreed upon, ensuring full Syrian sovereignty over the territory and its social components. It also called for a shift in Israeli rhetoric regarding the "protection of minorities," asserting that this matter is strictly Syrian.

Netanyahu Cautious as U.S. Presses

Despite some relative progress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed reservations regarding certain Syrian demands, particularly the complete withdrawal from nine military sites and checkpoints established in southern Syria. However, Israeli sources indicated that the U.S. administration views these demands as "logical" and continues to push for progress in negotiations.

Reviving the 1974 Agreement

A Syrian government source revealed that the core of the discussions centers on reactivating the 1974 disengagement agreement, which ensures the withdrawal of Israeli forces from positions they have advanced into following the previous regime's collapse, as part of a balanced security agreement that preserves Syrian sovereignty and reduces the need for any foreign military presence.

High-Level Delegations and U.S. Participation

The talks featured high-level delegations; the Syrian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani, with the participation of General Intelligence Chief Hussein al-Salamah, while the Israeli delegation included prominent figures from security and political circles. U.S. Special Representative Steve Whitkoff and Washington's envoy to Syria Tom Brack were also present, underscoring the significant American role in this round of talks.

Potential Normalization or Temporary Calm?

According to Israeli sources, these negotiations could represent a first step toward future normalization, although the path remains fraught with challenges, particularly with Damascus’s insistence on rejecting any buffer zone in southern Syria, which Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara previously warned could lead the region down a dangerous path.