1 day ago
22
Published On 5 Jan 2026
A Syrian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and General Intelligence Directorate Chief Hussein al-Salameh, is taking part in a new round of negotiations with their Israeli counterparts in the French capital Paris, under the coordination and mediation of the United States, according to state news agency SANA.
A government source told SANA on Monday that the resumption of these negotiations affirms Syria’s unwavering commitment to restoring its non-negotiable national rights.
Israel has, since the fall of longtime leader Bashar al- Assad, extended its occupation of Syrian territory beyond the Golan Heights and staged numerous raids and bombardments in southern Syria.
For months, Israeli forces have conducted near-daily incursions into southern Syria, particularly in the Quneitra governorate, carrying out arrests, erecting checkpoints, and bulldozing land, all of which have prompted growing public anger and unrest.
The source added: “The talks are primarily focused on reactivating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces to their positions prior to December 8, 2014, within the framework of an equitable security agreement that prioritises full Syrian sovereignty and guarantees the prevention of any form of interference in internal affairs.”
Despite a reduction in direct military threats, the Israeli army continues to carry out air raids that have caused civilian casualties and destroyed Syrian army sites and facilities.
Over the past year, Israel has launched more than 600 air, drone or artillery attacks across Syria, averaging nearly two attacks a day, according to a tally by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED).
Disengagement accord
After al-Assad’s fall, Israel declared the 1974 Disengagement Agreement – brokered after the 1973 war, in which Syria failed to regain the occupied Golan Heights – void.
The agreement had established a UN-patrolled buffer zone, which Israel has since violated, advancing deeper into Syrian territory.
Citing al-Assad’s flight, Israel says the accord no longer applies, while carrying out air raids, ground incursions, reconnaissance flights; setting up checkpoints; and arresting or disappearing Syrians. Syria has not responded with attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in late December that Israel was keen to ensure a peaceful border with Syria, and United States President Donald Trump said he was sure Israel would get along with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led a lightning offensive to topple al-Assad in late 2024.
Talks have been ongoing on and off to reach a deal on a security agreement between Israel and Syria for months, without a deal or concrete progress announced.
Syria does not formally recognise Israel, nor does it have any interest in Joining Trump’s Abraham Accords, under which a handful of Arab nations have recognised Israel.
Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights is recognised by Washington but it is rejected by the vast majority of the international community.
