A Syrian official said Tuesday that Damascus cannot move forward on so-called strategic files in talks with Israel without a clear and binding timeline for Israeli troops to withdraw from Syrian territory seized after the fall of Bashar Assad in December 2024, as U.S.-brokered negotiations in Paris led to the launch of a joint de-escalation mechanism.
Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the Syrian official said the latest round of talks, held Monday and Tuesday under U.S. mediation, concluded with a U.S. initiative to suspend all Israeli military activities against Syria. Israel’s Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Following the meetings, Syria’s new government and Israel announced the establishment of a joint group under U.S. supervision to share intelligence and seek military de-escalation on the ground. A joint statement issued by the U.S. State Department said the two sides were committed to “achieving lasting security and stability arrangements for both countries.”
“Both sides have decided to establish a joint fusion mechanism – a dedicated communication cell – to facilitate immediate and ongoing coordination on intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement and commercial opportunities under the supervision of the United States,” the statement said, adding that the mechanism aims to prevent misunderstandings and address disputes swiftly.
