Overview

Syria and Israel have agreed, after US-mediated talks in Paris, to establish a “dedicated communication cell” intended to share intelligence and coordinate military de‑escalation. The joint statement says the mechanism will provide a platform to address disputes promptly and help prevent misunderstandings. Damascus wants reactivation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held before Dec. 8, 2024, after which Israel expanded into Syrian territory and carried out strikes on military infrastructure and targets around Damascus.

The talks are driven by competing aims: Syria seeks restoration of sovereignty and an end to interference, while analysts say Israel hopes to secure territory, influence over minority communities and longer‑term leverage in the country. The United States has used its leverage to bring the parties together, but observers note a similar mechanism with Lebanon has not stopped near‑daily strikes or forced withdrawals; many say US willingness to hold Israel accountable will be key to any lasting de‑escalation. as reported by Al Jazeera