Syrian and Israeli Diplomats Meet in Paris to Discuss De-escalation

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with an Israeli delegation in Paris on Tuesday to discuss de-escalation measures and the situation in Druze-majority Sweida province, following deadly sectarian violence last month, Syrian state media reported Wednesday.

Also present at the meeting was Syria’s intelligence chief and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, according to SANA, citing an unnamed government source.

The meeting focused on:

• De-escalation and non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
• Monitoring the Sweida ceasefire, announced last month by the United States.
• Commitment to Syrian territorial unity, rejecting any plans to divide the country.
• Recognition that Sweida and its Druze population are an integral part of Syria.

“Both sides affirmed their commitment to the unity of Syrian territory, their rejection of any projects aiming to divide it,” SANA reported.

A week of violence erupted on 13 July, beginning with clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin and escalating rapidly:

• Government forces intervened.
• Israel conducted airstrikes, citing protection of the Druze minority and enforcement of its demilitarisation demands in southern Syria.

“These talks are taking place under US mediation, as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the unity and integrity of its territory,” SANA reported.

State television reported that discussions also included:

• Reactivation of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.
• Establishment of a more stable environment along the Israeli-Syrian border.
• Humanitarian concerns, particularly assistance for the populations of Sweida and surrounding Bedouin communities.

Hundreds of residents demonstrated in Sweida on Saturday, calling for self-determination. Some protesters raised Israeli flags and accused Damascus of imposing a blockade—claims officials denied, pointing to the arrival of aid convoys.

Historical Context

• Israel and Syria have technically remained at war since 1948.
• Following an Islamist-led offensive late last year that challenged Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israel deployed troops to the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights, established after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

Similar meetings between Shaibani and Dermer took place last month in Paris and in Baku, according to diplomatic sources.

US envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack also met with Israeli Druze spiritual leader Mowafaq Tarif to discuss Sweida, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that they focused on:

• Bringing together the interests of all parties
• De-escalating tensions
• Building mutual understanding

This meeting underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise southern Syria, maintain territorial integrity, and address humanitarian concerns in the wake of escalating sectarian violence.