Israel and Syria resume diplomatic dialogue under U.S. mediation

Senior Israeli and Syrian officials met in Paris under U.S. mediation, and the three governments said the sides agreed to create a joint communication cell to coordinate security and diplomacy.

Senior Israeli and Syrian officials met in Paris under U.S. mediation, the United States, Israel and Syria announced. The joint statement said the talks focused on respect for Syria's sovereignty, Israel's security and prospects for shared prosperity. The governments said the sides agreed to establish a joint fusion mechanism, described as a dedicated communication cell to coordinate intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement and commercial opportunities under U.S. supervision. Reporting also indicated that broader economic proposals were discussed, though Israeli and U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed project details. Key points: - Senior officials from Israel and Syria met in Paris under U.S. auspices, with French diplomatic involvement confirmed to the Associated Press. - The three governments issued a joint statement saying the parties reaffirmed commitments to pursue lasting security and stability arrangements. - The sides agreed to create a joint fusion mechanism (a dedicated communication cell) intended to facilitate coordination on intelligence sharing, military de‑escalation, diplomatic engagement and commercial opportunities under U.S. supervision. - A Syrian official told the Associated Press that Damascus seeks reactivation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held before December 2024. - Israeli Channel 12 reported an American proposal for a demilitarized joint economic zone along the buffer strip with energy and manufacturing projects and cited estimated economic impacts; those details have not been publicly confirmed by Israeli or U.S. officials. Summary: The meetings mark a reported restart of official dialogue focused primarily on security arrangements along the Israeli‑Syrian border and the creation of a coordination mechanism. The governments said they will continue talks and work to implement the agreed communication cell with U.S. support; further details and timelines were not provided.