Israel and Syria agree to set up communication mechanism after US-mediated talks

The U.S. said Israel and Syria agreed in Paris to create a communication mechanism to coordinate on security, intelligence and commercial matters; a Syrian official said progress on strategic issues requires a binding timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israel and Syria held U.S.-mediated talks in Paris and issued a joint statement saying they would set up a communication mechanism to coordinate on security, intelligence and commercial issues under U.S. supervision. A Syrian official told Reuters that moving forward on strategic files would require a clear, binding timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal from territory seized after the late 2024 toppling of Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian official also said the talks concluded with an initiative to suspend Israeli military activities, a point Israel had not immediately confirmed. Israeli officials said the discussions focused on security and economic cooperation and referenced reviving elements of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Key facts: - The U.S. State Department said Israel and Syria agreed to establish a communication mechanism covering intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement and commercial opportunities. - A Syrian official told Reuters deeper strategic talks require a binding timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal from territory seized after late 2024. - The Syrian official reported an initiative to suspend Israeli military activities, but Israel did not immediately confirm that point. - Syrian state media and Israeli statements indicated the talks referred to reviving parts of the 1974 disengagement arrangement and focused on security and economic issues. Summary: The talks led to an agreement to create a coordinated communication channel under U.S. oversight, while key strategic issues remain contested, especially over troop positions and timelines. Undetermined at this time.