Syria and Israel have agreed to establish a “dedicated communication cell” to share intelligence and coordinate military de-escalation, following US-mediated talks in Paris, according to a joint statement released Tuesday. The move represents a renewed effort to secure a security arrangement between the two countries, which have been engaged in intermittent negotiations for the past year amid repeated Israeli military actions within Syria.
The mechanism, as described in the statement, will also facilitate “diplomatic engagement and commercial opportunities.” It is intended to provide a platform “to address any disputes promptly and work to prevent misunderstandings,” a joint statement released by the two countries said.
The latest round of negotiations took place on Monday and Tuesday, with the participation of the Syrian foreign minister, as the United States seeks to revive stalled discussions. However, progress towards a comprehensive agreement remains hampered by Syria’s demand for a firm timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territory seized since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
A Syrian official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, stated that “strategic files” could not be addressed without a clear and enforceable commitment to withdrawal. The official also indicated that the talks concluded with a Syrian initiative to suspend all Israeli military activity within Syria, a claim that has not been confirmed by Israeli authorities.
Israel has maintained its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967 and expanded its military presence into Syrian territory over the past year, including the strategic Jabal al-Sheikh mountain. Israeli airstrikes, such as the one targeting the Syrian Ministry of Defence building in Damascus, have been frequent.
The US Department of State affirmed that the communication mechanism would be utilized to facilitate coordination on intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement, and potential commercial ventures. President Donald Trump’s administration has publicly supported the current Syrian authorities, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a position that has reportedly placed some pressure on Israel to pursue a deal.
Despite US backing for the Syrian leader, a comprehensive agreement between Israel and Syria does not appear to be imminent. The Israelis have reportedly sought to characterize the Syrian authorities as “extremist,” a claim that contrasts with the overt support from President Trump.
