Axios: Israel and Syria to resume security talks in Paris

Senior Syrian and Israeli officials are set to meet in Paris on January 5 to resume negotiations on a new security agreement, according to an Israeli official and another source familiar with the matter.

The talks, expected to last two days, will be mediated by US President Donald Trump’s Syria envoy, Tom Barrack, as Washington intensifies efforts to stabilise the Israeli-Syrian border and lay the groundwork for possible future diplomatic normalisation between the two countries, Axios reports.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is expected to take part in the discussions, facing a newly appointed Israeli negotiating team. This will mark the fifth round of negotiations between the two sides, but the first in nearly two months.

Previous talks were suspended due to significant disagreements between the parties, as well as the resignation of Israel’s chief negotiator, Ron Dermer. The renewed discussions are aimed at reaching a security pact that would include the demilitarisation of southern Syria and an Israeli withdrawal from areas occupied following the collapse of the Assad regime.

According to a source with direct knowledge, the resumption of talks followed a request by President Trump during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 29, 2025, at Mar-a-Lago. Trump reportedly urged that negotiations continue in order to reach an agreement swiftly. Netanyahu agreed, while emphasising that any deal must respect Israel’s security red lines.

Following the meeting, Trump said he believed Israel and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa could reach an understanding, adding that he would work to ensure the sides “get along.” Netanyahu, for his part, stated that Israel has an interest in maintaining a peaceful border with Syria and in safeguarding the country’s Druze minority.

Ahead of the Paris talks, Netanyahu appointed a new Israeli negotiating team led by Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, a close confidant. The delegation is also expected to include Netanyahu’s military adviser, General Roman Gofman—who has been nominated to head the Mossad—and acting National Security Adviser Gill Reich.

The Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment on the upcoming negotiations.

By Vugar Khalilov