Paris – France – August 20, 2025
In a rare direct diplomatic encounter, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met with an Israeli delegation in Paris on Tuesday, according to Syria’s state-run news agency SANA. The U.S.-mediated talks focused on de-escalating tensions between the two countries, which have been technically at war for decades, and restoring a 1974 ceasefire agreement.
The meeting is part of an ongoing diplomatic push, brokered by the United States, to normalize relations between Syria and Israel. The talks in Paris followed a previous meeting in the French capital last month and another in Baku, Azerbaijan, signaling a quiet but persistent effort to find a path to stability in a deeply fractured region.
Headlines from the Paris Meeting
* Restoring the 1974 Ceasefire: A primary focus of the discussion was the reactivation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, which established a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights. The agreement has been under severe strain following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, which led to Israel seizing control of the buffer zone.
* De-Escalation in Southern Syria: The meeting addressed the surge in tensions in southern Syria, particularly in the Sweida province, where clashes between various armed groups have prompted Israeli airstrikes. According to SANA, the talks focused on “de-escalation and non-interference in Syrian domestic affairs.”
* No Confirmation from Israel: While Syrian officials have acknowledged their participation, there has been no immediate public confirmation of the meeting from Israel. The talks are a sensitive matter, particularly given the recent escalation of conflict and a historic lack of direct communication.
The Context of the peace Talks
The meeting comes at a critical time for the Middle East. Following the overthrow of al-Assad, Syria is undergoing a fragile transition under a new government. Israeli forces have increased their presence along the border, citing the need to secure their territory and prevent hostile forces from establishing a foothold.
The U.S. has expressed support for any efforts that bring “lasting stability and peace” between Israel and its neighbors. The ongoing diplomatic exchanges, though not leading to a final peace accord, are seen as a vital step towards managing the immediate risks and preventing a wider conflict in a volatile region.
The next steps for the two nations remain unclear, but the continuation of these high-level, U.S.-mediated discussions in a neutral location like Paris indicates a shared interest in preventing further military confrontation and finding a way to coexist.
