Enemies Meet: Syria–Israel Hold Rare Talks as Violence Flares

Syrian and Israeli officials recently engaged in direct talks in Paris, facilitated by the United States, a senior Syrian official confirmed.

The dialogue took place against the backdrop of intensifying sectarian violence in southern Syria, particularly in the city of Suwayda, and the recent Israeli military intervention in the area.

The meeting, held on Saturday, focused on the escalating conflict around Suwayda, a city predominantly inhabited by members of the Druze minority.

In recent weeks, Suwayda has witnessed fierce clashes between local Druze fighters and Bedouin groups.

The growing instability prompted Israel to conduct military strikes, targeting Syrian government facilities in Damascus and military positions in Suwayda province.

Israeli officials claimed the intervention was intended to defend the Druze community.

A Syrian official speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic stated that the Damascus delegation in Paris firmly reiterated Syria’s commitment to national unity and sovereignty.

The representatives emphasized that Suwayda and its population remain an inseparable part of the Syrian nation.

They warned against attempts to manipulate internal divisions for the sake of partition or foreign influence.

According to the Syrian source, Damascus also laid blame on Israel for the escalation in Suwayda and demanded that Israeli forces withdraw from the areas they had moved into during the latest unrest.

The official described Syria’s position as unequivocal: the crisis in the south must not be used as a pretext for foreign intervention or territorial gains.

While no formal agreement was reached during the talks, the meeting marked a rare diplomatic interaction between the long-feuding countries.

Syria’s state-run broadcaster, Ekhbariya TV, cited a diplomatic source who confirmed the discussions took place, characterizing them as “honest and responsible.”

The talks reportedly focused on reducing tensions and exploring mechanisms for further dialogue.

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack also commented on the situation.

He stated that the U.S. had facilitated discussions between Syrian and Israeli officials aimed at de-escalating violence in southern Syria.

He noted that both sides had shown interest in preventing a wider regional confrontation and reopening channels of communication amid heightened tensions.

The violence in Suwayda has resulted in significant casualties, with hundreds of deaths reported in the recent clashes, which also involved Syrian government forces.

Israel, which launched multiple air raids during the crisis, has a history of striking inside Syria.

This is particularly since the fall of longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December.

These attacks have primarily targeted Iranian-backed militias, but the recent strikes expanded to Syrian government assets.

The latest fighting underscores the challenges facing Syria’s interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, as he seeks to stabilize the country and maintain centralized control.

The situation in Suwayda presented a particularly delicate test, involving sectarian dynamics and foreign military involvement.

In response to the deteriorating security conditions, the Syrian government announced last week that Bedouin fighters had been expelled from Suwayda.

Government troops were deployed throughout the province to ensure a complete withdrawal.

This development followed a ceasefire order from al-Sharaa and a U.S.-mediated agreement intended to prevent further Israeli intervention.

The same diplomatic source who confirmed the Paris meeting to Ekhbariya TV said the discussions were preliminary but important.

The goal was to defuse the current crisis and pave the way for a sustainable diplomatic channel between Syria and Israel, even amid an ongoing and volatile security situation.

This marks one of the most direct engagements between Syrian and Israeli officials in recent years.

It also reflects mounting international concern over the fragile security landscape in southern Syria.

Official statements from Israel remained limited.

On the other hand, the mere occurrence of the Paris meeting signals potential diplomatic openings amid the entrenched hostility.

As the Syrian government works to restore order and navigate complex internal dynamics, the involvement of external powers like the U.S. and Israel introduces a new layer to the already multifaceted Syrian conflict.

Whether the Paris dialogue will lead to lasting peace or simply serve as a temporary pause remains to be seen.

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