Al-Shaibani Leads Syrian Delegation for US-Coordinated Negotiations with Israel

The Syrian News Agency (SANA) reported on Monday that a delegation led by Foreign Minister Assad Al-Shaibani is participating in a round of negotiations with Israel under American coordination. The agency clarified that General Intelligence Chief Hussein Al-Salama is participating in the talks, which are being held through U.S. mediation and coordination.

Syrian Position: The talks will take place within the framework of a balanced security agreement that prioritizes full Syrian sovereignty. A government source stated that the resumption of negotiations confirms Syria's steadfast commitment to restoring non-negotiable national rights. The talks primarily focus on reactivating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held prior to the December 8, 2024 lines.

American Pressure: According to "Axios," the meeting is taking place in Paris following pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration on both sides to stabilize the border situation. The efforts are led by the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, who serves as the mediator. Axios noted that the resumption came at the direct request of Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at Mar-a-Lago last week.

Israeli Red Lines: Netanyahu agreed to the talks but emphasized that any agreement must respect Israeli "red lines." He stressed that it is in Israel's interest to establish secure and stable borders with Syria and to ensure the protection of the Druze minority within Syrian territory. This comes after Israel escalated military operations inside Syria since December 8, 2024, seizing control of the buffer zone and Mt. Hermon summit.