Israel, Syria hold first high-level talks in 25 years amid US de-escalation push
The unprecedented meeting in Paris between Israeli and Syrian ministers indicate that both sides are interested in de-escalating tensions and advancing a security deal.
TEL AVIV — Syrian Foreign Minister Hassan al-Shibani met in Paris on Thursday with top Israeli officials with mediation by US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and agreed on measures to de-escalate tensions. The meeting, which included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's close associate Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer as well as national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, capped months of lower-level talks between the sides strongly encouraged by US President Donald Trump.
Posting on X, Barrack said the aim of the Paris meeting “was dialogue and de-escalation and that is exactly what we achieved. All parties reaffirmed their commitment to continue these efforts.”
Unprecedented meeting
It was the first public meeting between a Syrian foreign minister and a top-level Israeli official since Prime Minister Ehud Barak met in the United States with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa 25 years ago. That meeting was mediated by US President Bill Clinton.
